Over more than two decades with Hockey Alberta and the Hockey Alberta Foundation, Scott Robinson has amassed a lot of memories and seen many changes in the operation of amateur hockey in Alberta.

But starting in August, Robinson will be embarking on the next stage of his career, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer. The Canada Winter Games committee made the announcement on Friday morning in Red Deer.

“I have had the opportunity to be mentored and influence by so many people, from coaches to players to officials to colleagues. I have been gifted with the time, teaching and mentorship of some of the greatest minds, characters and leaders Alberta and Canada has seen not only in hockey but in sport and society,” said Robinson. “And I am looking forward to taking what I have learned and experienced over the past 23 years, and having that benefit the Canada Winter Games in 2019 in Red Deer, and sport development across Alberta and Canada.”

In reflecting on his time at Hockey Alberta, a few accomplishments and events particularly stand out for Robinson:

Director of Operations for Team Alberta male and female hockey teams at the 1995 and 1999 Canada Winter Games (the male team won silver in 1995 and gold in 1999; the female team bronze in 1999);Developing the new Advanced 1 Coaches Development Model which is still used today;Developing the Regional Centre Model in 2003 for Hockey Alberta. It was piloted in 2005 and is now implemented across the province;Assisting in the transition to new Governance Model for Hockey Alberta in 2012 -2013;Member of the Hockey Canada Hockey Development Council (1997-2004), Coaches Committee (1999-2002); andTeam Manager, 1998 National Under-18 Team at Four-Team tournament in Slovakia (gold medal).

Most recently, Robinson has been the Executive Director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. The Foundation is Canada’s only provincial Hockey Foundation, and has invested more than $750,000 into hockey in Alberta since 2002.

“It has been my pleasure to work and volunteer beside Scott for the past few years. Since my earliest involvement with Hockey Alberta, Scott has been a constant figure, most recently as our Executive Director for the Hockey Alberta Foundation,” said John Windwick, Board Chair for the Foundation. “In my time on the board, Scott has been our key employee, working behind the scenes, running events, creating new programs and working on the strength of our Board’s governance and committee structure. Scott leaves us for a great opportunity where I know he will provide the same dedication and expertise he has shown the Foundation over these past few years.”

Robinson joined Hockey Alberta (still referred to at that time as the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association) in 1992 as Coordinator of High Performance. He was filling a vacancy left by Ray Bennett (current assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues), who had joined the Moose Jaw Warriors as assistant general manager with Mike Babcock.

Since then, he has served as Manager of Technical Development Programs, Senior Manager of Business Development, Executive Director of the Foundation, and overseen marketing and strategic planning processes for Hockey Alberta. In 2005, Robinson received the President’s Award from then-President Loren Krukowski, and in 2007, he received the Hockey Alberta Development Award.

“Scotty has been a mentor to many of us within the Hockey Alberta family, and he brought a passion that will be missed in our organization. It’s a huge shift for us to lose someone like Scott who, in many ways, has been Hockey Alberta since his start in 1992,” said Rob Litwinski, Executive Director of Hockey Alberta. “Working with Scott for 14 of those 23 years, it will be very different to work in this office without him. But I am happy to see him so excited for his new opportunity, I know how much the Canada Winter Games being in Red Deer means to him.”

The Team Alberta North program (Bantam male team and Junior female team) is a Hockey Alberta development program unique to Northern Alberta. It provides eligible players and coaches an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized and fair selection camp and team competition.

The Team Alberta North Male Selection Camp runs December 8-10 in High Prairie, while the Female Selection Camp runs January 5-7 in Slave Lake. Selection camp registration will open in October.

RED DEER - Twenty-nine female hockey players born in 2000 & 2001 have taken the next step in Hockey Alberta’s U18 Female program.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quebec City. The shortlist includes three goaltenders, 9 defence, and 17 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play at the Team Alberta U18 spring camp in May, and at the Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 11-16. Forty-six players were invited to Camrose from the spring camp, and worked through high-intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We were very impressed by all 46 athletes that attended our Provincial Camp in Camrose this year,” said MathieuProvencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta, Female. “We look forward to seeing what the 29 shortlisted athletes can bring to Fall Camp in September as we move closer to the national championships.”

The shortlisted players will attend a fall camp in Edmonton September 29 - October 1, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster.

The national championship event, set for November 1-5, brings together the top U18 female players from across Canada in an eight-team tournament that will feature teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (Red and White), Quebec and Atlantic.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in the fall. The shortlist includes five goaltenders, 9 defencemen, and 16 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta program performance, and at the U16 Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 4-9. Eighty players were invited to Camrose, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We had a very talented group of players attend Summer Camp this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. “We are excited to see the final roster for the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup begin to take shape as our staff evaluates these 30 players.”

The shortlisted players will be scouted with their club teams in the fall, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster. The Challenge Cup brings together the top U16 players from Western Canada with teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The camp will focus on individual skill development on and off the ice. On-ice drills focus on skating, puck control, passing and shooting. Off-ice sessions will work on agility, balance, and coordination, following the principles of Hockey Canada’s Long Term Player Development Model. Off-ice sessions will also incorporate other sports, to foster overall athleticism within the LTPD model.

This is a FULL DAY CAMP. This camp will allow parents to drop off players at the rink in the morning and pick them up at the conclusion of each day.

RED DEER - Female hockey is currently one of the fastest growing sports in our province, with close to 8,000 females already participating. Hockey Alberta and our associations are working hard to create new programs to introduce the game to new female hockey players as well as developing our current participants.

Female hockey offers the opportunity for young girls to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle while learning valuable life lessons and developing new friendships that will last after the hockey season ends. Whether your daughter is just starting out or has been playing for a number of years – there are a number of great opportunities for her to become involved in female hockey at the grassroots level.

As the number of female hockey players in Alberta grows, the need for female coaches and officials grows with it. You can join our team as a coach or official, and help inspire the next generation of players in your local association by sharing, your knowledge, skills and memories.

For more information on Minor Female Hockey, and for a list of FAQs, please click here.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce its six Regional Goaltending Leads, as part of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan.

The Goaltending Leads are strategically located around the province, and will work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

Derek Purfield

Matt Wong

These goaltending consultants are available for Minor Hockey Associations and teams to aid in the development of goaltenders from the grassroots to elite levels. Our Regional Goaltender Leads can provide:

Instructional Stream: Goaltending Training for Coaches

Try Goalie Events

MHA Goalie Nights

Training to MHA/Team Goaltender Coaches

Practice Integration Skills; Good Habits to including goalies in practices

Support for Teams, Coaches, Goalies and Parents

To work with a Regional Goaltender Lead, or for more information, please contact the appropriate Regional Centre.

All six Goaltending Leads attended Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Development Seminars in Sylvan Lake in June, where they took part in a weekend of training and strategizing on how to carry out Hockey Alberta’s Goaltender Development Plan throughout the Province.

In addition to the Development Seminars, Hockey Alberta held three Goaltender Development Camps in May and June; a North and South Goaltender Camp in Edmonton and Cochrane, and an Elite Goaltender Development Camp in Sylvan Lake.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to launch our new goaltending development plan, as well as enlist passionate volunteers and regional coaches to provide resources for local minor hockey associations to utilize in their day to day goaltender development," said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Female Hockey. "We have only just begun to provide information to our members, coaches, goaltenders and their parents and we are excited to launch more resources in the Fall of 2017.”

With the initial stages of the plan now complete, Hockey Alberta will continue to prepare for full operation of the Provincial Goaltender Development Plan starting in September for the 2017-18 season.

The two-day event offers a unique learning experiences for coaches of all levels from across Alberta, and features coaches from the NHL, WHL, Hockey Canada, CIS, international teams, and other industry experts. Along with presentations, coaches will take part in interactive breakout sessions, a coaches social, and other networking opportunities.

The 2017 Coaches Conference is hosted in conjunction with the Oilers Community Foundation, and will include Edmonton Oilers Assistant Coaches Jay Woodcroft and Ian Herbers, and Oilers Goaltending Coach Dustin Schwartz.

Rob Daum

Fran Gow

CAMROSE – Hockey Alberta’s summer provincial development and evaluation camps begin this week in Camrose and run throughout the month of July.

Some of Alberta’s best hockey talent will be on display at these camps, with more than 200 athletes take part in a variety of on-ice and off-ice development opportunities. All camps are open to the public and take place at the Border Paving Arena at the Camrose Recreation Centre.

The U16 Female Provincial Camp is the second stage of development and identification process that feeds into the Team Alberta U18 Female program. The top 60 players participate in on and off-ice training and classroom sessions, and compete in game environments.

The U16 Male Provincial Camp features the top 80 U16 athletes identified by Hockey Alberta working out in off-ice sessions, as well as on-ice games and practices. From Provincial Camp, a short list will be created, and players scouted with their club teams until the 20-player Team Alberta roster is named for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.

The Officials Development Camp runs in conjunction with the U16 Male summer camp, as officials work provincial camp games and receive mentoring and evaluation. This is third stage of development for officials, starting with ATB Alberta Cup zone camps, and progressing to the ATB Alberta Cup competition.

The top 46 U18 female hockey players, selected from a spring camp held in Spruce Grove, take part in a variety of games and practices. After the summer camp, players are shortlisted to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. From there, the final 20-player Team Alberta roster will be selected for the National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan November 9-13.

Selected athletes receive both on and off-ice development directed by AJHL/Hockey Alberta staff, and facilitated by the High Performance I Coaching Seminar delegates. The on-ice program will consist of both practice and game sessions, and the off-ice portion will cover athleticism, mental skills and team building as well as the technical and tactical skills required to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is seeking qualified candidates to fill two vacancies on its Board of Directors.

Candidates interested in serving as a Director should have a passion for the sport of hockey. Previous experience on a not-for-profit board and knowledge of the workings of a board from a good governance perspective are preferred. Experience and understanding of the workings of a Provincial Sport Organization is also an asset, but is not required.

The Board of Hockey Alberta operates under a policy governance model. The Board provides oversight and approves the vision and policy framework for the organization to carry out its operations. Operations are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

Hockey Alberta is particularly looking for candidates with experience in the areas of Marketing, Public Relations and Lobbying. Candidates will possess some, or all, of the following attributes:

Broad Knowledge of Board Governance

Demonstrated Experience in:

Strategic Planning

Business Planning

Risk Management

Policy Development

Financial Management

Human Resource Management

Marketing/Public Relations

Lobbying

For more information on the Hockey Alberta Board of Director vacancies, and the application process, please click here.

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Brooks Bandits defenceman Cale Makar speaks to the media after being selected in the first round, fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche (Photo credit: College Hockey Inc.)

RED DEER - It was another solid year for Albertans at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in Chicago, including a history-making selection in the first round.

Thirteen players from Alberta were taken over the weekend, including Brooks Bandits defenceman Cale Makar, who became the highest drafted player in Alberta Junior Hockey League history when then Colorado Avalanche selected him fourth overall.

Spokane Chiefs forward Jaret-Anderson Dolan was the next Alberta off the board, selected in the second round by the LA Kings. Another AJHL defender, Ian Mitchell of the Spruce Grove Saints, was selected in the second round as well, taken 57th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

A pair of Albertan netminders also heard their names called on Saturday, as the Lethbridge Hurricane’s Stuart Skinner was selected in the third round by his hometown Edmonton Oilers, and Price Albert Raider Ian Scott was taken in the fourth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hockey Canada announced today (Thursday) that the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League will host the 49th edition of Canada’s National Junior A Championship May 11-19, 2019 at the Centennial Regional Arena.

“Hockey Alberta is excited to have this prestigious event return to Alberta. We are always proud of how our Alberta host communities raise the bar when it comes to hosting a major event and welcoming teams from across the country,” said Rob Litwinski, CEO, Hockey Alberta. “We look forward to working with Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League to provide support for the Brooks Bandits and their host committee to make the 2019 RBC Cup a successful event.”

This will be the third time in the span of 10 years the RBC Cup will be hosted in Alberta (Lloydminster in 2016, Camrose in 2011), and the seventh time in tournament history (Grande Prairie in 2004, FortMcMurray in 2000, Olds in 1994, and Edmonton in 1975).

The 2019 RBC Cup will bring together the top Junior A teams from across the country, along with the host Bandits, to face off for the national championship. Historically, the event has generated more than $2 million in local economic impact, with event proceeds being directed to supporting hockey development in the community.

“We are immensely grateful to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to showcase our community’s passion for Junior A hockey on the national stage, and to the local businesses, government, and organizations that helped to support our bid and make this event possible,” said Tyler King, chair of the bid committee and Bandits communications manager. “We are already looking forward to the next two years of preparation to ensure an unforgettable national championship."

Having previously captured Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2013 in Summerside, P.E.I., the Bandits also appeared at the RBC Cup in 2016 and 2017 and will look to carry momentum from their runner-up finish at this year’s championship in Cobourg, Ont.

Tournament ticket packages are tentatively scheduled to go on sale in May 2018 and season ticket holders will be given the first opportunity to reserve seats for the tournament.

Schedule information for the 2019 RBC Cup will be announced at a later date.

RED DEER - Hockey Canada has adopted a policy requiring Initiation level hockey be played on cross-ice or half-ice surfaces. To help our Minor Hockey Associations facilitate this requirement, Hockey Alberta is providing an opportunity for MHAs to purchase ice dividers at a discounted price, if there is sufficient interest. Any MHA in Alberta is eligible to participate.

The approximate cost for the ice dividers will be:

Foam Rink Dividers – $1,650 + shipping and GST

Hard Board Rink Dividers – $6,800 + shipping and GST

If your MHA would like to participate, please complete the online registration form by July 5, 2017. Once the deadline passes, Hockey Alberta will decide on whether to move forward and will confirm with all MHAs who expressed interest.

To access the online submission form, or if you have any questions about the submission process or the status of your application, please contact Melissa Drake in the Hockey Alberta Office by email at mdrake@hockeyalberta.ca or phone 403-967-0064.

Do you have a child aged 6-10 that is ready to fall in love with hockey? Registration is now open for the 2017-18 Canadian Tire First Shift program.

The First Shift is a truly unique experience designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear. The six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Registration is just $199, which includes full head-to-toe equipment.

The First Shift will be offered in eight locations throughout Alberta in the fall, and two in the winter:

The First Shift’s mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community and enroll their kids in our sport. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, we designed The First Shift to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, fun!

RED DEER - Forty-six female hockey players are now one step closer to skating for Team Alberta at the 2017 National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Quebec.

Hockey Alberta has extended invitations to 46 athletes born in 2000-2002 to compete at Team Alberta’s U18 Female Summer Development Camp, which runs July 11-16 in Camrose. The list includes six goalies, 16 defense, and 24 forwards.

“Team Alberta would like to congratulate the 46 athletes selected to attend Summer Camp in Camrose,” said MathieuProvencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta, Female. "We’re looking forward to seeing how the players perform and compete during the week-long camp."

The 46 athletes were selected from 88 who attended the spring selection camp in Spruce Grove, which included fitness testing, mental skills preparations, on and off- ice skills sessions, and several games.

From the camp in Camrose, a shortlist will be established, with those players invited to another selection camp in the fall. Team Alberta will compete at the 2017 National Women’s Under 18 Championship November 1-5 in Quebec City.

Hockey Alberta has 17 established, standing operational committees that help to administer the game of hockey throughout the season. The volunteers on the committees provide service to member MHAs and Club Teams, interpret regulations and contribute to discussions about future changes to the game.

All Hockey Alberta Operational Committee Chair positions are appointed for two year terms while Coordinator and Committee Delegate positions are each appointed annually. Detailed information about each of these positions is linked below.

Anyone interested in a particular role should fill out the Volunteer Application Form and submit via email to info@hockeyalberta.ca.

SPRUCE GROVE - The next step in the Team Alberta U18 Female selection process is underway, as 88 of the top 2000, 2001 and 2002-born female hockey players come together in Spruce Grove for the 2017 Spring Selection Camp.

Players are invited to the camp based on previous Team Alberta programs, as well as scouting of players through their Midget club teams. The camp is a four-day test of fitness, skill and mental preparedness.

The 2017 Spring Selection Camp runs through to Sunday at the Tri-Leisure Centre in Spruce Grove.

From the Spring Selection Camp, 46 athletes are invited to attend the week-long Team Alberta Program U18 Provincial Summer Selection Camp in July. Players participate in high intensity on and off-ice training as well as classroom sessions and fitness testing.

The 2017 Summer Selection Camp will be held July 11-16 in Camrose.

After the provincial camp, a shortlist of players are identified to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. The fall camp will include on and off-ice sessions, and some exhibition games. From there, the Team Alberta coaching staff announce the final 20-player roster.

The 2017 National Women’s Under-18 Hockey Championship will be held November 1-5 in Quebec City.

The male list includes eight goalies, 24 defence, and 48 forwards. The selection process is based on the Team Alberta scouting process throughout the 2016-17 season, as well as the 2017 Alberta Cup in Canmore in April. From the camp in Camrose, a shortlist will be established, with those players scouted with their club teams until the 20 players who will comprise the roster for Team Alberta are named in the fall.

"We have a very talented group coming to Camrose for Summer Camp," said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. "We’re looking forward to seeing these players elevate their game for a chance to compete at the 2017 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup."

The female invitees include nine goalies, 18 defence, and 36 forwards. Players were scouted by Team Alberta staff at the 2017 Alberta Challenge in Olds in May. This group of athletes is eligible to compete at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer as part of the Team Alberta U18 Female squad.

"We’re very happy with the list of players we’ve invited to our U16 Summer Camp this year," said Mathieu Provencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta Female. "These athletes are the future of our U18 program, and have a chance to make a good impression as we move towards the 2019 Canada Winter Games."

RED DEER - As part of its three-year strategic planning process, Hockey Alberta is developing a new Parent Engagement Program (PEP) strategy.

Hockey Alberta’s PEP strategy will focus on better serving and supporting the parents, family members and coaches of hockey participants across the province. The strategy will focus on education on several core topics including:

Cyber-Bullying

Pre-Season Parent Meetings

Conversations on the Car Ride Home

Concussions

Behavior in the Arena

Supporting the athlete with good nutrition, hydration and sleep habits

A key component the PEP strategy are the Respect in Sport Parent and Activity Leader/Coach programs. Hockey Alberta has required successful completion of those programs since partnering with Respect Group in 2012.

Effective for the 2018-19 season, Hockey Alberta will require re-certification every four seasons for the RIS Parent and Activity Leader/Coach online programs. This will be mandatory for all families with players in sanctioned minor hockey and team officials. A minimum of one parent/caregiver per household must complete the Parent program. As well, Speak Out certification will no longer be recognized; those with Speak Out will require the appropriate Respect in Sport program.

An FAQ sheet has been developed to answer some questions. Over the course of the 2017-18 season, full details will be provided, including a renewal schedule and information about the PEP strategy.

LETHBRIDGE – After a slow start to the tournament, South Black defeated North Grey 4-1 to capture the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

South Black and North Grey both lost their first games of the week, but both rebounded to finish second in their respective pools, and won their semi-final games to earn a berth in the championship final.

It’s an extra-special victory for South Black Captain Liam Watkins and teammate Gavin Schmidt, as their older brothers Lucas and Hayden won the Alberta Cup with Team South just two weeks prior.

LETHBRIDGE - Day two of the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup marked the end of round-robin play, with Capital Green, North Grey, Calgary White and South Black advancing to the semi-finals.

In their lone games of the day, Pool B wrapped up with Calgary White clinching first place after a 5-2 win over Capital Orange. A 6-1 victory over North Blue gave South Black the same 1-1-1 record as Capital Orange, but South Black finished second in Pool B by virtue of a tie-breaker.

Capital Green won both games against South Yellow and Calgary Red to as the lone undefeated team, landing in first place in Pool A. North Grey earned a berth in the semi-finals as well, winning both games against Calgary Red and South Yellow to finish second.

Capital Green and South Black will battle in the first semi-final of the day at 1:00 p.m., with North Grey and Calgary White to follow at 3:30. Capital Orange and Calgary South play in the C final at 6:00 p.m., and the D final between North Blue and Calgary Red goes at 8:30 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE - After the first six games of the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup, six of eight teams came away with points.

Capital Orange sits atop Pool B after winning its first game of the day against North Blue 6-2, and tied 5-5 against South Black, who lost the first game of the day 5-2 to Calgary White. North Blue edged Calgary White 4-3, giving all four teams in Pool B at least one point.

Meanwhile, in Pool A, Capital Green and South Yellow won their lone games of the day, defeating North Grey 2-1 and Calgary South 6-4, respectively.

Day two of the Peewee Prospects Cup kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a battle between North Grey and Calgary South.

LETHBRIDGE - Southern Alberta is set to host 160 of the top 2004-born male hockey players in Alberta, as the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup gets underway in Lethbridge.

Eight teams will go head-to-head at the Nicolas Sheran Arena from Thursday to Sunday. The teams include Calgary Red, Calgary White, Capital Green, Capital Orange, South Black, South Yellow, North Grey, and North Blue.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition.Team rosters can be found here, and full tournament results will be displayed here. You can also follow along with the action on Twitter.

The Hockey Alberta Peewee Prospects Cup program is the start of the Hockey Alberta Development program and is held in alternate years with the Alberta Winter Games. The event provides second-year peewee athletes, along with coaches, trainers and administrators, an opportunity to discover the qualities of competitive hockey in a well-organized regional camp and select team competition. Male 2004-born athletes are eligible for the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

The Peewee Prospects Cup begins with four regional camps designed to allow athletes, coaches and trainers to show their skills and receive top-level instruction and evaluation. The top 40 athletes from each regional camp (two teams from each camp), four coaches, two coach mentors and two directors of operations are selected to participate in the competition.

OLDS - South Black went wire-to-wire as the tournament’s top team to win the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

South Black went undefeated (4-0-1) through the tournament, and clinched the Alberta Challenge with a 1-0 win over South White.

This is a special win for South Black’s DOP Val Alexander, who’s daughter Cylenna won the last Alberta Challenge as DOP with the North Predators in 2015. Alexander was also in competition with daughter Channia this weekend, who served as DOP for the North Grey team.

South Green claimed bronze earlier in the day. A couple of second period goals saw them defeat the third place ranked South Yellow by a score of 2-1.

Earlier in the day North Blue defeated North Grey by a score of 3-1 to claim fifth place in the tournment.

2017 is the first year the Alberta Challenge has been held in Olds. The next Alberta Challenge will take place in 2019.

Forward

OLDS - The final match-ups are set. South Black and South White will go head-to-head in the 2017 Alberta Challenge final on Sunday.

South Black emerged the front runner following round-robin play, finishing three days of competition with three wins and one tie. Tiebreaker determined South Black’s competition in the final would be South White.

North Yellow and South Green will play in Sunday’s Bronze game. North Yellow, finishing round-robin play with two wins, South Green finishing with one win.

North Blue and North Grey will play the first game of Sunday, for fifth place, each finishing with one win.

OLDS - After another busy day of hockey at the 2017 Alberta Challenge, round robin play continued with each team competing in two games during the day.

After completing three games each, South Black and North Yellow are both 2-0-1 and, with five points a piece, and finish day two on top of team standings.

South Green finished the day with one win and one tie while South White finished the day with one loss and one tie. These results, combined with yesterday’s stats, these teams are now both tied for second place with three points each.

North Blue and North Grey squared off in the final game of the day with North Blue winning by a score of 3-0, climbing within one point of the teams tied for second place.

Saturday kicks off with South White and North Yellow playing at 10:00 am, followed by North Grey and South Green facing off at 12:15 pm. The final game of round robin play will commence at 2:30 pm between South Black and North Blue.

OLDS – For 120 female athletes from across Alberta, the next several days of competition will mark a significant milestone in their young hockey careers.

These athletes, born in 2002-03, have been named to the rosters of the six teams that will compete in Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Alberta Challenge, May 4-7 at the Olds Sportsplex.

The Alberta Challenge is held alternating years when the Alberta Winter Games are not held, with three teams selected to represent the North, and three to represent the South. The players were selected from approximately 300 who attended regional camps held April 7-9 and April 14-16. Twenty athletes comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, trainer, and director of operations. The Challenge is part of the development process for female on-ice officials across the province.

In addition to pursuing the Challenge, the athletes are also vying for 63 spots at the U16 Female Summer Camp in July in Camrose, which is one of the stages in the identification and selection process for the Team Alberta U18 program.

“Spectators in Olds will have the opportunity to see some of the top young female athletes in the province, and will definitely be impressed by their talent,” said Mathieu Provencher, Hockey Alberta Coordinator for Team Alberta Female. “For the players, the Alberta Challenge is a great opportunity to measure themselves against others in the province, as well as receive instruction from elite caliber coaches.”

The teams play a modified round-robin competition. Preliminary round action gets underway on Thursday at 4 pm, with three games. There will be six games on Friday, starting at 8:30 am, with each team playing twice. On Saturday, preliminary action finishes, with three games, starting at 10 am. On Sunday, the 5th and 6th place teams play at 9:30 am, followed by the 3rd and 4th place teams at 12 noon. The Alberta Challenge champion will be decided starting at 2:30 pm.

There is also a banquet on Saturday night at the Pomeroy Inn and Suites at Olds College.

CANMORE - Team South went wire-to-wire as the tournament’s top team to win the 2017 Alberta Cup.

South went undefeated (4-0-1) through the tournament, and clinched the Alberta Cup with a 5-1 win over Northwest.

It’s the second straight win with two different teams for South Head Coach Jamie Steer. Steer won the 2016 Alberta Cup with Calgary South, exactly 30 years after he won the very first Alberta Cup as a player with the same team.

Defending champion Calgary South still earned a spot in the top three this year, as a quick two-goal outburst late in the third and two empty-netters gave them a 6-2 victory over Edmonton Yellow in the B Final.

Team South finished third in the tournament, beating Calgary North 4-1 in the B Final. Earlier in the day, Northeast used a five-goal third period to defeat Central 6-1 in the C Final, while Edmonton Blue broke a 4-4 tie with 40 seconds left in the game for a 6-4 win over Calgary North in the D Final.

2017 is the third and final year of the Alberta Cup in Canmore. Spruce Grove will host the Alberta Cup in 2018.

Forward

All-Star Official

CANMORE - The final match-ups are set, and Team Northwest and Team South will go head-to-head in the 2017 Alberta Cup final on Sunday.

There will be no three-peat for Calgary South, as Northwest punched their ticket to the final with a decisive 9-3 win in the first semi-final game, while South edged Edmonton Yellow 2-1 to close out the day. Calgary South and Edmonton Yellow will play in the B Final.

Earlier in the day, Central and Northeast secured spots in the C Final, while Edmonton Blue and Calgary North will square off in the D Final.

CANMORE - After another busy day of hockey at the 2017 Alberta Cup, round-robin play wrapped-up, and the standings are now set heading into Saturday.

After going undefeated (2-0-1) through round-robin play, South locked up first in Pool A. Northwest claimed the other semi-final spot, finishing 1-1-1, while Calgary North and Edmonton Blue finished third and fourth, respectively.

With a pair of wins on Friday, Calgary South rebounded from a Day 1 loss to finish at the top of Pool B. Edmonton Yellow also finished with two wins, but finished second as Calgary South won the tie-breaker. Northeast finished in third in Pool B, and Central fourth.

Saturday kicks off with Central and Calgary North playing in the first C/D Semi-Final at 9:00 a.m., and Edmonton Blue and Northeast in the other at 9:30 a.m. Northwest and Calgary South battle in Semi-Final 1 at 11:45 a.m., and Day 3 closes out with the other Semi-Final game between Edmonton Yellow and South at 2:15 p.m.

CANMORE - After a busy first day of the 2017 Alberta Cup in Canmore, six of eight teams came away with points.

South sits on top of Pool A after a tie and a win, with Edmonton Blue and Calgary North just behind with two points each. Northwest earned a single point on the day with a tie and a loss.

In Pool B, Edmonton Yellow and Central each won their only games of the day, defeating Northeast and Calgary South, respectively.

Pool B teams will each play a pair of games on day two, while Pool A teams will each play just one. Round-robin play wraps up after day two, with the top two teams in each pool earning a spot in the Alberta Cup semi-finals.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. The event also features an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Full tournament results will be displayed on the score ticker at the top of both hockeyalberta.ca and abcup.ca. Schedules, stats and standings can also be found at abcup.ca. You can also follow along with the action on Twitter.

The Alberta Cup is the premier event in the province that helps identify the top male players in Alberta. It is well attended by scouts as they prepare for the Western Hockey League’s bantam draft. In addition to player evaluations, the competition is also an opportunity for administrators, coaches, trainers and referees to be evaluated for future positions with the Team Alberta Program.

RED DEER - A unique skill development opportunity is available to 2003-born male hockey players in Alberta, as Hockey Alberta and the Western Hockey League are co-hosting the third annual WHL Skills Camp.

Limited spots are available in the camp, 15 spots for forwards and seven spots for defence. Registration is on a first come, first-served basis.

The camp, for U15 players, is set to run June 9-11, 2017 in Calgary, AB.

The Skills Camp provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from an impressive array of instructors, including instructors from the WHL. Participants will be divided into eight teams for the weekend, and participate in a variety of activities, including:

Friday: Fitness Testing.

Saturday: Team Alberta/WHL presentation, Long Term Player Development sessions, and two skill sessions.

Sunday: one skill session, and the event will wrap up with a game for each team.

The camp will focus on skill development and proper training techniques, and provides athletes with information about the Team Alberta & Canada Winter Games process, as well as information on the WHL, while challenging players to excel on and off the ice.

RED DEER - Alberta is well-represented on the National stage this week, as the St. Albert Slash and Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings compete in the Esso Cup and Telus Cup, respectively.

The St. Albert Slash (Midget Female AAA) of the Alberta Female Hockey League are representing the Pacific region at the tournament, and are already off to a hot start. The Slash opened the Esso Cup Sunday afternoon in Morden, MB with a 6-0 win over Mid-Isle Wildcats, who are representing the Atlantic.

The Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings kick off their quest for the Telus Cup tonight against the host Cariboo Cougars in Prince George, BC. The Oil Kings earned the right to represent the Pacific region after winning the Midget AAA Provincial Championship. With their opponent in the Pacific Regional Championships being the Cariboo Cougars, the Oil Kings automatically advanced to the Telus Cup.

RED DEER - Alberta males born in 2004 have the unique opportunity to participate in the second annual Hockey Alberta Peewee Skills Camp, hosted by the Team Alberta program.

The camp takes place in Calgary at the Don Hartman Sportsplex on June 23-25. This Skills Camp will focus on skill development, checking skills, proper training techniques, and will provide athletes with information about the Team Alberta process.

The camp will consist of three sessions:

Checking Development

Position Specific training

Goal Scoring and Hockey Sense

The camp also includes a Team Alberta/Alberta Built presentation, a Long-Term Player Development Session, and will wrap-up with a full three-period game. Goaltenders will also have an on and off ice skills session.

The maximum capacity for the camp is 160 athletes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Team Alberta U16 Male

Cote just wrapped up his first season coaching in the WHL, serving the 2016-17 campaign as an Assistant Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders. He’s been involved with Hockey Alberta in numerous capacities, and has coached in two Alberta Cups.

Gmitter is currently the Head Coach of the Calgary Midget AAA Royals. This year will mark Gmitter’s third time coaching in the Alberta Cup program, as he’s set to serve as the Head Coach of Team Central at the 2017 Alberta Cup.

Mandolidis is the Head Coach of the Calgary Midget AAA Northstars. Like Gmitter, this is Mandolidis’s third time coaching in the Alberta Cup program, this year as the Head Coach of Calgary South.

Purfield currently works for World Pro Goaltending, and also served as the Goalie Coach for the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) and University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (CIS) in 2016-17. This will be Purfields third straight year with Team Alberta U16 Male, having previously served as the Goalie Coach for the 2015 and 2016 gold medal-winning teams.

Team Alberta U18 Female

Schols is currently the Female Prep Head Coach at the Northern Alberta Xtreme Hockey Academy, and was also an assistant coach with last year’s Team Alberta U18 team.

Rutz is the Head Coach of the Midget AAA Female Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs of the Alberta Female Hockey League. Rutz has previously served as a Head Coach and Mentor in various Team Alberta camps and programs.

Hilworth has been the Head Coach of the Olds College Broncos since 2015. She’s been involved in both the U16 and U18 female programs over the past four years.

Tapp is the Director of Female Development and the Lead Instructor at Top Prospect Goaltending. Tapp is a long-serving member of the Team Alberta U18 coaching staff, having served as the Goalie Coach for the past six years.

Mercedes Eustergerling (Trainer), Brodie St. Jacques (Equipment Manager), Heather Osgood (Strength & Conditioning Coach), and Doug MacLeod (Head Scout) have also been named to the Team Alberta U18 Female staff.

Eustergerling is the Owner and Physiotherapist at Vida Health & Wellness, and has been a Mentor Trainer for various Team Alberta camps and programs over the past three years.

St. Jacques currently serves as the Trainer for the Maple Leaf Athletic Club’s Bantam AAA team. St. Jacques is set to serve as the Trainer for Team North Grey at the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

Osgood is the Fitness Director at Vimy Ridge Academy, and has been a involved with Team Alberta for the past eight years.

MacLeod, a Regional Scout for Hockey Canada’s Women’s Program, is entering his second year with Team Alberta U18 Female, and has previous coaching experience with Team Alberta as well.

About Team Alberta

The U16 Male Program is the third stage of the development and identification process to select a roster for Team Alberta to compete at either the U16 Western Challenge or the Canada Winter Games. The Games are held every four years, with the next event set for 2019 in Red Deer. Players in the U16 Male program will be challenging for the opportunity to compete on one of the three teams that represent Canada each year at the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

The High Performance U18 program works towards identifying the top 20 female players in Alberta, who will comprise Team Alberta U18 representing the province at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship or the Canada Winter Games. Making this team is the pinnacle of female amateur hockey in Alberta, and a major lifetime highlight for the players.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) will host an elite development camp in July, looking to expand upon the success of the inaugural event in 2016.

Eighty elite athletes from the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League (AMMHL) have the opportunity to participate in the AJHL Development Camp presented by Hockey Alberta, July 18-23, at the Edgeworth Centre in Camrose.

Hockey Alberta works with AMMHL coaches on player identification, final player selections and invitations. The camp features 2001-born athletes who played in the AMMHL this year, and who are not currently on the protected list of a Western Hockey League team.

The inaugural edition of the camp proved very successful as 14 players who attended in 2016 were signed to an AJHL White Card or affiliated to an AJHL team during the 2016-17 season. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for AJHL teams to evaluate and interact with the prospects.

“The partnership between Hockey Alberta, the AMMHL and the AJHL has created a unique opportunity to enhance the development of these players and has proven to be an identification camp for our teams in just the first year,” said Fran Gow, AJHL Vice-President of Hockey Operations. “The camp also provides coaches with the option to complete their HP1 Certification and ensures high level instruction for the participants.”

Players participate in on-ice activities that include six practices and four games, and off-ice and classroom sessions. There will be an AJHL presentation for athletes and parents, and at the conclusion of the camp, each player will receive a scout package and evaluation summary.

“This camp provides the unique opportunity for Minor Midget-aged players in Alberta to learn from some of the top coaches, but also to showcase their talents for AJHL teams while they are learning,” said Drew Dixon, Manager of Coach Development for Hockey Alberta. “The fact that 20 per cent of last year’s participants had AJHL experience this season demonstrates the potential not just for individual skill development but also to help players start on their future career paths.”

For more information on the Alberta Junior Hockey League, go to ajhl.ca.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the rosters for the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

Six teams will battle at the Olds Sportsplex May 3-7. The teams include three from the North (North Blue, North Grey, and North Yellow), and three from the South (South Black, South Green, and South White).

Twenty 2002 and 2003-born female athletes comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at zone camps held April 7-9 in Fort Saskatchewan and April 14-16 in Olds.

Tournament passes for the 2017 Alberta Challenge are now on sale. Passes are $30 (plus admin fee and GST) per adult, or $70 (plus admin fee and GST) for a family tournament pass (maximum of two adults, no limit on children). Day passes can also be purchased at the door (cash only), and are $15 per day.

Tickets for the 2017 Alberta Challenge Banquet are also on sale. Banquet tickets are $30 per adult (plus admin fee and GST), $20 for youth aged 6-12 (plus admin fee and GST), and free for children under 5. The banquet is Saturday, May 6 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites at Olds College.

ARBORG, MB - The Keystone Cup is on its way back to Alberta, as the Wainwright Bisons defeated the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in overtime to claim the Western Canadian Junior B crown.

Wainwright went undfeated in round-robin play (3-0-2) to punch their ticket to the finals. The Bisons led 3-1 heading into the third period, but the Nitehawks forced overtime with two quick goals to open the final frame. With time ticking down in the first overtime period, Bryce Woodward scored the overtime winner, sealing the championship for the Bisons.

The Keystone Cup win is the first ever for Wainwright, following its first ever Provincial Championship win just two weeks prior. The Bisons are the first Alberta team to win the Keystone Cup since the Blackfalds Wranglers in 2011, and the tenth Alberta team in the tournament’s 35-year history.

RED DEER - Registration is now open for Hockey Alberta’s inaugural Spring Conference.

The Spring Conference takes the place of the traditional Spring Zone Meetings, bringing together representatives from Local MInor Hockey Associations and Minor Leagues, and Hockey Alberta volunteers and staff to review the just-completed season, and focus on planning for the upcoming season. The goal is to provide new and enhanced opportunities to share information as we strive towards a goal of “Leading our Leaders.”

The Spring Conference is a one-day event on the weekend of May 6-7, with two opportunities for attendance. Delegates attend the session that best fits into their schedules. Conference sessions will be held:

Saturday, May 6: Okotoks, Best Western Plus

Sunday, May 7: Fort Saskatchewan, Dow Centennial Centre

Each session will start with check-in from 9:30-10 am, and will include a variety of sessions through until 4 pm. The Conference agenda will include updates from the past season, information about changes for the upcoming season as well as some conference and summit style presentations that will engage MHAs in discussion about the future of minor hockey.

Eight teams will take to the ice at the Nicholas Sheran Arena in Lethbridge on May 10-14, with 160 2004-born players ready to make their first step in the Team Alberta program. Two teams each were formed from Calgary, Edmonton, the North and the South.

Twenty players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, coach mentor, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at regional camps held April 6-9 in Stony Plain, Leduc, Olds and Calgary.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. All Peewee Prospects Cup games are open to the public.

Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series

The Hockey Alberta Foundation is excited to announce the next installment in the Every Kid Every Community Speaker Series, set for Saturday, May 13 in Lethbridge, featuring Jamie McLennan, Rob Brown and Jason Strudwick.

The lunch event is in support of the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Program and the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and will run in conjunction with the Peewee Prospects Cup. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., prior to the Peewee Prospects Cup semi-final games.

Hockey Alberta is undertaking a Participant Satisfaction survey for players who participated in minor hockey during the 2016-17 season. The anonymous survey is designed to give Hockey Alberta a snapshot of the state of the minor hockey system in the province in 2017.

A similar survey was sent out in 2015. The goal is to complete this survey every two years so that Hockey Alberta can track how any strategic changes and initiatives are shifting the overall “level of satisfaction” of the participants as Hockey Alberta continues to strive towards its Mission and Vision.

Information on the survey is being sent to participants via email today. Hockey Alberta is hoping for as many responses as possible to provide the best overview of the general sentiment toward the sport and Hockey Alberta from the province’s hockey community.

The survey will remain open until Wednesday, April 19. A summary of the results will be made available on the Hockey Alberta website, and be available for distribution to Minor Hockey Associations and other members of the hockey community in Alberta.

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Lloydminster Goaltender Bella McKee, one of the 2016-17 AFHL award winners. (Photo credit: Two Point Photography)

Administrator of the Year

AFHL Administrator of the Year: Dean Trotter, Okotoks

AFHL Scholarship Winners

The Alberta Female Hockey League annually presents four scholarships; two to graduating players from the AFHL as well as two to young women currently attending post secondary and who are giving back to the game through coaching or officiating. All of these scholarships will be awarded to help off-set the costs of pursuing a post secondary degree at the institution of their choice.

The AFHL received an overwhelming response to the scholarship fund and recipients were chosen from an extremely deep pool of applicants. Finalists were chosen based on their strong academics, positive contribution to their team as well as their involvement with their community.

As the Junior B Provincial champions, the Wainwright Bisons are now off to compete in the 2017 Keystone Cup, which runs April 13-16 in Arborg, Manitoba.

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are tied 1-1 in the South Division Final, as are the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and the Whitecourt Wolverines in the North Division Final.

Meanwhile, the St. Albert Slash of the Alberta Female Hockey League punched their ticket to the Esso Cup, defeating Greater Vancouver at the Pacific Regional Championships. St. Albert will now represent the Pacific Region in the 2017 Esso Cup in Morden, Manitoba on April 23-29.

Alberta will also be represented on the national stage on the male side, as the Midget AAA Provincial champion Leduc Oil Kings will compete in the 2017 Telus Cup, which runs April 24-30 in Prince George, B.C.

RED DEER - Jeff Rasmuson of Duchess/Brooks and Brock Armstrong of Sylvan Lake are the winners of the Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month Coaches Night Out packages.

Jeff Rasmuson is the first recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Calgary Flames Package. Jeff is both the Head Coach of the Duchess Peewee Storm and an Assistant Coach for the Brooks Female Novice Team. Jeff has been coaching for the better part of 15 years and has coached from Initiation all the way up to Senior.

“I wanted to give back what I received from coaches throughout the years,” Jeff said of his decision to begin coaching. “What hockey gives you is a preparation in life for being able to work hard at a job be a team player at work. Raise a family with values and structure knowing that it takes the whole family to be successful by working together. And also it means that nothing in life is easy so you want to be successful you have to work for it. That’s Hockey for Life.”

“Jeff is a kind-hearted man who leads by example and uses his own knowledge and experience that he has gained playing at many levels himself to help him teach and communicate to the kids," said the parent who nominated Jeff. "The kids love and respect him. They look forward to each practice because of what Jeff has to show them and the stories he shares. He is passionate and empathic, competitive and fun. Yet he understands what the differences and needs from each kid and inspires them all to believe in themselves and their potential all while adapting things to make all feel comfortable in their ability.”

Brock Armstrong is the recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Edmonton Oilers Package. Brock has been coaching Initiation in Sylvan Lake for the last three years and was recently appointed a Junior Coach Mentor role within his association.

“I try to make the rink a destination for both players and parents, I want the entire family to be excited to come to the rink," said Brock. "My job as a coach is to not only teach the FUNdementals, but to help stock the cupboard with skills that will help the player in everyday life.”

Brock said there are three elements of his coaching philosophy. “1. Work hard, 2. Have Fun, 3. Respect yourself, your teammates, and your opponent.”

“An enthusiastic, fun, accepting, caring and hardworking role model. He has a true love for the game that is infectious if you ever have the privilege to be a player or a parent on his team,” said a parent from Brock’s team.

“I feel the effect of his (Brock’s) coaching in the way my son is improving in other aspects of his life including patients at home and confidence at school," said another parent. "My son really looks up to him and I am so grateful for him to have a role model so passionate for the game and well-being of the kids.”

Thank you to the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers for supplying the two NHL Coaches Night Out Packages which four tickets to a game, apparel, and food and beverage vouchers.

RED DEER - The third and final week of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, kicks off on Thursday across the province with the final five tournaments of 2017.

Provincial championships set for this weekend include: Senior AA (Wainwright), Junior B (St. Paul), Midget AA (Okotoks), Bantam AA (Olds), and Peewee AA (Edmonton). Okotoks and Olds each hosted True Spirit of Hockey Days in conjunction with Provincials, celebrating a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are set to face off in the South Division Final, while the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and the Whitecourt Wolverines will battle in the North Division Final.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the rosters for the 2017 Alberta Cup.

Eight teams will take to the ice at the Canmore Recreation Centre April 26-30. The teams include two from each of Calgary and Edmonton, and one each representing the South, Central, Northeast and Northwest zones of the province.

Twenty 2002-born players comprise each roster, along with volunteers serving as head coach, assistant coaches, trainer, and director of operations. Rosters were selected based on performances at zone camps held March 24-26 throughout the province.

The teams will play in a four-day, tournament-format competition. The event also features an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Tournament passes for the 2017 Alberta Cup are now on sale. Passes are $59+GST each, and include one Alberta Cup Program. Family passes for up to five people (maximum two adults) are $173+GST, and also include one program.

Tickets for the 2017 Alberta Cup Banquet are also now available for purchase. Tickets are $50+GST for adults, and $27+GST for children (12 and under). The Alberta Cup Banquet is Saturday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Coast Hotel.

In addition to the on-ice action, seven host communities hosted a True Spirit of Hockey Day to celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport: 3Cs, Elk Point, High Prairie, Kneehill, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, and Strathmore.

The 2017 Provincial Championships tournament schedule wraps up this coming weekend with five tournaments set for March 30 - April 2: Senior AA (Wainwright), Junior B (St. Paul), Midget AA (Okotoks), Bantam AA (Olds), and Peewee AA (Edmonton). Okotoks and Olds will both host True Spirit of Hockey Days in conjunction with Provincials.

The Junior A Provincial Championship will be decided through the Alberta Junior Hockey League Playoffs. The North and South Division finals begin on March 31. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers are set to face off in the South Division Final, while the Fort McMurray Oil Barons will have to wait for Game Seven between the Whitecourt Wolverines and Spruce Grove Saints to decide who they will face in the North Division Final.

CALGARY – Hockey Canada wants all of Canada on the same page when it comes to the delivery of its Initiation Program – traditionally a player’s first brush with organized hockey at the ages of five and six.

Although the Initiation Program – originally developed more than 35 years ago – always recommended cross- ice or half-ice small-area games, its delivery has varied from community to community. Beginning in the upcoming 2017-18 season, a new Hockey Canada policy now mandates that Initiation-aged players receive age-appropriate programming on cross-ice or half-ice surfaces.

“You would never put a five- or six-year-old child on a full-size soccer pitch, or expect them to play basketball without any adjustments made for their size. Hockey is no different,” said Paul Carson, vice- president of membership development for Hockey Canada, who notes that while some provinces and communities already deliver cross-ice programming at the Initiation level, others have always utilized full ice for practices and games.

“The Initiation Program was developed to allow kids to have fun, learn skills, and develop confidence,” said Carson. “Re-sizing the playing surface to cross-ice or half-ice means more puck-touches, which result in more chances to practice puck-control and shooting, as well as overall more movement and motor skill- development – twisting, turning, balance, coordination, agility. Their field-of-play matches their size, and these players hone in on their skill-development in a way that larger ice surfaces just aren’t conducive to.”

The differences in skill-development opportunities with cross-ice or half-ice hockey are significant: players receive five times more passes and take six times more shots. They’re called on to have to make more decisions more quickly, and are overall more engaged in the game.

Special boards and bumpers have been developed that allow for quick and easy division of a regular-sized rink into two half-ice surfaces or three cross-ice rinks, with options to create different small-area configurations. Not only does re-sizing the playing surface allow for Initiation-aged players to develop their hockey skills more effectively, it also allows communities to maximize their ice time by safely putting more teams and games on the ice at one time.

Instruction on delivering age-appropriate programming will also be available to coaches trained in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Coach 1 – Intro Coach. This clinic, delivered by Hockey Canada’s 13 members, is geared towards coaches of entry-level players to provide resources that will aid in the implementation of skill-development and game play.

To ensure all members of the Alberta hockey community understand the new mandate for the Initiation Program, Hockey Alberta will be undertaking a multi-faceted communication plan that includes the following opportunities for engagement and updates:

May 6-7: in-person with Minor Hockey Association (MHA) presidents/executive members during SpringConference sessions held in Okotoks and Fort Saskatchewan.

June 17-18: in-person with Development Directors for MHAs, and Provincial Coach 1 Facilitators at the Hockey Alberta Development Seminar in Sylvan Lake.

September: in-person with Initiation Program Directors for MHAs (date/location TBA)

October-November 15: in-person as part of Coach 1 Clinic delivery (locations across the province)

Online at hockeyalberta.ca, where Initiation Program and development materials can be accessed by any member of the hockey community.

Resources such as the Hockey Canada Network – a best-in-class skill-development resource geared to coaches – features information on the purpose of cross-ice hockey and how to run effective on-ice sessions for the five-and six-year-old Initiation age group.

Seven more host communities will host a True Spirit of Hockey Day this week: 3Cs, Elk Point, High Prairie, Kneehill, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, and Strathmore. True Spirit of Hockey Day aims celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport.

SPRUCE GROVE – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the City of Spruce Grove as the host of the 2018 Alberta Cup.

The Spruce Grove Agrena is the host location for the event, scheduled for April 25-28, 2018.

The Alberta Cup is a core Hockey Alberta development program, and a significant step in the identification and evaluation process for Team Alberta’s U16 Male provincial team that competes at either the U16 Western Challenge Cup or the Canada Winter Games. It is also the final opportunity for Western Hockey League scouts to evaluate players eligible for the WHL bantam draft.

On the ice, the Alberta Cup features 160 of the top bantam-aged male players in Alberta, divided into eight zone teams, playing in a four-day tournament format event. The Alberta Cup also provides coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and officials the opportunity to be identified for potential positions at higher level events such as the Western Challenge, World U17 Hockey Challenge and Canada Winter Games.

“Hosting an event like the Alberta Cup is a challenging undertaking. In addition to the on-ice action, there are a multitude of behind-the-scenes logistics such as accommodations, meals, travel, souvenirs, sponsorship and off-ice player preparation that need to be covered,” said Michael Kraichy, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Team Alberta. “We were very impressed with the range of partners who will be involved in the event, and the thoroughness and attention to detail shown in the bid package submitted by Spruce Grove. We are confident that the 2018 Alberta Cup will be a memorable one for all participants.”

Spruce Grove’s Strategic Plan identifies that the community will become a leading recreation, leisure, and sports community, and be recognized as an event-hosting destination. The Alberta Cup will join a growing list of sporting events hosted in Spruce Grove, including curling, collegiate soccer, ringette, and junior hockey.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event in our community next year,” said Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston. “Sports and recreation play an important role in our city and it’s always a pleasure when we are able to bring a large-scale event like the Alberta Cup to Spruce Grove. I have complete confidence that the players, coaches, spectators and everyone else who comes out to enjoy some fantastic hockey will feel right at home during their stay with us.”

The host committee will include municipal representatives, members of Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association, local businesses and other sports and not-for-profit organizations.

Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association will be coordinating volunteers for the 2018 event. Anyone interested in volunteering can email abcup2018@gmail.com.

The Town of Canmore is hosting the 2017 Alberta Cup, April 27-May 1. Zone selection camps are slated for March 24-26.

RED DEER - The deadline for future coaches to register for Hockey Alberta’s Regional Leader Development Program is Friday, March 24.

The Regional Leader Development Program is aimed to develop and train 1999 and 2000-born Midget level male and female hockey players in the areas of coaching, skill instruction and leadership.

The delegates will be trained and mentored on and off ice through classroom sessions that include: leadership, team building and off-iceLTPDtraining. Along with classroom sessions, regional leaders will work through theNCCPCoach 2 program and with leave the program with a trained status. Delegates will also receiveNCCPInstructional Stream-trained status. The total value of the program is more than $400. During the 2 day RLDPall registrants will be provided with:

In addition to the on-ice action, seven host communities held a True Spirit of Hockey Day to celebrate a shared love for hockey and the community that supports the sport: Athabasca,Battle River, Delburne, Fairview, Fort McMurray, Hanna, and Sherwood Park.

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League’s Midget AAA regular season has officially come to a close, and the Provincial Championships for Bantam Elite and Midget AAA kick off on Thursday and Friday.

The Midget AAA Division wrapped up its inaugural season on March 5. The regular season standings finished up with St. Albert (27-2-1) taking home the regular season crown. The final standings are as follows:

St. Albert’s first year forward Madison Willan takes home the league scoring with 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points. Willan’s teammates Cassidy Maplethorpe and Tyra Meropoulis round out the top three point leaders with 46 and 45 respectively. Maplethorpe also finished the season leading the league in assists (29).

Two goaltenders tied for top save percentage of the seson, both with a .940; St. Albert’s Camryn Drever and Red Deer’s Chantelle Sandquist (Red Deer). Drever boasts a 1.38 goals against average and a 14-3-0 record, while Sandquist appeared in 11 games, posting a 6-3-1 record with a 1.60 goals against average.

AFHL Action heated up as the race to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships kicked off last weekend. The regular season champion St. Albert received a bye into the tournament, as well as host association Rocky Mountain Raiders.

In the first round series, the third-place Calgary Fire faced off against the sixth-place Edmonton Pandas and won the two game, total point series by a score of 6-5. The other series featured the fourth-place Red Deer Chiefs and fifth-place Lloydminster in a low-scoring battle. Red Deer skated away victorious as Kaitlin Linnel scored on a rebound to seal the victory for Red Deer on Sunday afternoon.

The inaugural AFHL Midget AAA Provincial Championship will start on Friday morning, March 17 at Scott Seaman’s arena and will feature our top four teams from the regular season; (1) St. Albert, (2) Rocky Mountain Raiders, (3) Calgary, and (4) Lloydminster. If you are unable to make it Okotoks this weekend, you can still catch the games online! The live video and audio streams, as well as updates on scores will be provided on the AAA Provincial website.

RED DEER – Six months of regular season and tournament action, including up to six weeks of games in Zone playdowns, culminates this month, as teams prepare to “March to a title” at the 2017 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial.

Tournament action will determine the majority of the 2017 provincial champions. 14 titles will be awarded on March 19. March 26 will see another 16 champions crowned. The remaining five champions will be determined on April 2. Tournament champions will emerge from a weekend of round-robin pool play and playoff action in their respective tournaments.

The slate of provincial championship tournaments starts this weekend, March 16-19 in fourteen locations around Alberta.

For schedules, arenas, host organizations, and other event-specific information, check the Hockey Alberta website at hockeyalberta.ca or the Provincial Championships website at haprovincials.ca. You can also follow Hockey Alberta on Twitter and Facebook.

Provincial championship host locations were awarded in mid-December, and in the ensuing months, organizing committees in communities across Alberta have been busy securing local sponsors, organizing opening ceremonies, confirming teams and schedules, ordering souvenirs and player gifts, arranging for accommodations, and numerous other tasks to ensure that the participating teams have a memorable experience.

In addition to the on-ice action, several communities will participate in True Spirit of Hockey Day activities in their location communities. In conjunction with the Provincial Championship tournament hosts in these communities, a local school is hosting a number of fun activities, allowing students to learn about hockey, and the teamwork and friendships that can be generated in the sport. Participating communities are: 3Cs, Athabasca, Battle River, Delburne, Elk Point, Fairview, Fort McMurray, Hanna, High Prairie, Kneehill, Okotoks, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Slave Lake, Sherwood Park and Strathmore.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for February is Jake Rushton of Fairview.

Jake is currently the Head Coach of the Fairview Novice Bears, and has been coaching hockey for three years.

“Jake is the coach that goes beyond! He will help out in a heartbeat with equipment, booth shifts or to take five more minutes with a player struggling with a skill," said the parent who nominated Jake. "His enthusiasm and pride in his team, as well as all other teams shines in every direction of his life.”

“He (Jake) treats all the kids like his own and he’s very energetic and communicates great with the parents," said the second parent who nominated Jake. "If there is anything that any kid or even parent needs on the team he’s right there to help. He’s great at picking up on where these kids need a little extra help and making sure they reach their goals and succeed!”

“The thing I love most about coaching is the kids," said Jake. "Every child is unique in their own way. I like to stress teamwork on and off the ice whether it be in the dressing room or in their classroom.”

Tuesday, March 14 is the last day to nominate your coach as Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month! All nominated coaches will have a chance to win an NHL Coach’s Night Out prize package!

CALGARY - The Canadian Tire First Shift is pleased to announce the launch of the 2017-2018 application process to become a host Minor Hockey Association for The First Shift program. Minor Hockey Associations are encouraged to review the application criteria and submit an online application.

The Canadian Tire First Shift Program is designed to ease kids and their families into the sport of hockey in a fun and welcoming environment. It is open to boys and girls ages 6-10 years old, who have never registered to play hockey. The registration fee is $199 for each participant and includes:

RED DEER - The Alberta Female Hockey League’s Bantam Elite division wrapped up its inaugural season on February 26.

The Calgary Fire White (21-2-2) are taking home not South Division crown, but the league’s regular season title as well, although the Northern Division-leading St. Albert Raiders (21-3-4) gave them a run for their money.

Olds’ Sarah Wozniewicz claimed the league scoring title, finishing with 27 goales and seven assists for 34 points. goals (23) and points (28). Calgary Red’s Emily Straw and North Central’s Chloe Reid round out the top three in points with 31 and 30, respectively.

Another Grizzly topped the regular season leaderboard, as netminder Jocelynn Pearce ended the regular season with a league-best .950 save percentage, to go allong with an 11-2-0 record and five shutouts.

The road to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, is now laid out, as the first-round playoff matchups are set. In the North Division, the St. Albert Raiders receive a first-round bye, while the North Central Impact will battle the Edmonton Pandas, and the Peace Country Bonnett’s Storm will take on the Sherwood Park Royals.

Calgary Fire White advance directly to the second round in the South, with the Rocky Mountain Raiders going head-to-head with Calgary Fire Red, and the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs up against the Lethbridge Cyclones. All playoff matchups are two game, total-goal series. The winning teams from each second round series will advance to the Provincial Championship.

EDMONTON – Three Alberta hockey players highlight the list of 2016-17 major award winners announced today by Canada West.

University of Alberta Panda forward Kennedy Ganser is the Canada West Rookie of the Year in Women’s Hockey, while Mount Royal’s Sarah Weninger is the Student-Athlete Community Service honouree. In Men’s Hockey, University of Saskatchewan netminder Jordon Cooke was named Goalie of the Year.

Ganser, a former Team Alberta forward from Provost, led all Canada West rookies with 17 points this season, suiting up in all 28 games. Her 17 points were two more than UBCThunderbirdMaireadBast, of Red Deer, while her seven goals were tied with Manitoba Bison Sheridan Oswald for tops among rookies. Ganser also showed her potential as a strong two-way forward, adding 84 shots and a +13 rating this season. Ganser is now the Canada West nominee for the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year.

“Kennedy has been a tremendous addition to our roster. She is the kind of player that coaches can build a program around. She has a high degree of skill and a hockey IQ to match. These abilities have made her a strong addition to all of our specialty situations,” said Howie Draper, head coach of the Pandas. “Despite her smaller stature, she competes like a giant on both sides of the puck. She is already and will continue to be a tough player to play against in the next four years of her career.”

Weninger, a fifth-year forward from Lethbridge, excelled both on and off the ice at Mount Royal. She finished tied for MRU’s scoring title this season, registering nine goals and four assists in 25 games.

Off the ice, Weninger is involved in several volunteer initiatives, including Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) program, which uses the game of hockey to teach life-skills and empower Canada’s marginalized youth. In addition to her involvement with HEROS, Weninger also attended Hockey Alberta’s Future Leaders Camp, which helps prepare coaches to play an active role in Hockey Alberta programs and within their communities.

Academically, Weninger has achieved a combined GPA of 3.66 over her last two academic semesters and is on pace to be an Academic All-Canadian this season. Weninger now moves forward as the conference nominee for the Marion Hilliard Award as the nation’s top student-athlete.

“Sarah is extremely committed to try and better those around her, whether it is in the hockey community, or life in general,” said Scott Rivett, head coach at Mount Royal. “Her relationship with HEROS is truly remarkable. Sarah has brought other players from our team out to work with them and many are continuing to build their own relationships with these kids on a weekly basis and are having a true impact in their lives. We raised over $3,000 and created an evening for these kids that most have never experienced and it was in large part to all the work that Sarah has put in.”

For a second consecutive season Jordon Cooke has been named Canada West’s top goalie, after posting a 19-4-1 record, 1.94 GAA, and .929 SV%. The Leduc native was the backbone of Saskatchewan’s tremendous campaign, which saw the Huskies claim the conference regular season title for a second straight season.

2016-17 has been a phenomenal season for Cooke, as the Leduc, Alta. product was also named to Canada’s team at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland over the holiday break. Cooke’s four shutouts this season tied the Canada West single-season record, and his seven career shutouts are the most among any active Canada West goalie.

Cooke now moves forward as the conference nominee for the U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year award, which has been won by a Canada West goalie all but once since being created in 2009-10, including last season by Cooke.

"Last year, Jordon stood out in his first full-year as our No. 1 goaltender. He helped calm a young team, leading us to the Canada West pennant," said Dave Adolph, head coach at the University of Saskatchewan. "In 2016-17, he made things look routine as our team skated to a first-place‎ finish in the regular season. He and our young defence enabled us to lead the league with a very stingy 2.11 goals GAA. He loves to play and loves the challenge. We are very fortunate to have him in a Huskie uniform.”

RED DEER - The number of hockey teams in both the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame will grow to seven when the 1984-85 NAITOoks enter the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame on May 26 in Red Deer.

The NAIT squad is the only team, and one of two from hockey, among the dozen inductees announced this morning in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge by the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. The 2017 inductee list includes Athletes, Builders, Pioneers, Media and Achievement personnel.

The only Alberta-based national hockey champions of the male gender to go unbeaten and untied in the regular season and post season, NAIT joins the 1947-48 Edmonton Flyers, 1950 Edmonton Waterloo Mercurys, 1951 Lethbridge Maple Leafs, 1952 Olympic Champion Edmonton Waterloo Mercurys, 1962-63 Edmonton Oil Kings, and 1965-66 Edmonton Oil Kings as teams enshrined in both of Alberta’s Halls of Fame. The NAIT squad was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

The 1984-85 Ooks were the first varsity national hockey champions from Western Canada to have a true (or complete) perfect season with 25 wins in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) regular season, five victories in the ACAC playoffs and three triumphs at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Hockey Championships in Moose Jaw. With 33 wins in 33 regular season and post season outings, the team (which still holds six conference records) has the most wins of the five men’s national hockey champions from the CCAA, U Sports, and NCAA to have a winning percentage of 1.000. They were also the first team to defeat a university team in its CIAU (now U Sports) national championship season en route to winning a CCAA National Hockey Championship.

Also a member of the 2017 induction class is former Edmonton Oiler star Ryan Smyth, who played in 1,270 games and amassed 842 points during his 19-year NHL career. He played for the Edmonton Oilers for 15 years and represented Canada internationally 12 times, playing in 78 games.

Smyth earned the nickname “Captain Canada” as he was team captain at six World Championships. He won five gold medals while wearing the Team Canada jersey including the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, when the team won the first hockey gold medal in 50 years. Smyth also won gold at the World Hockey Championships in 2003 and 2004, the World Cup of Hockey in 2004, and the World Junior Hockey Championship in 1995.

For more information on the 2017 Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class, go to http://ashfm.ca/

The 2017 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Class will be announced in March.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the appointment of SpirosAnastas and Craig Perrett as the Head Coaches of Team Alberta for the 2017U16 Male and U18 Female Programs.

Anastas comes into the head coach position for Team Alberta’s U16 team after winning gold last year at the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup as an assistant coach. He’s served as the Head Coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (CIS) since 2014, having previously spent time as an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, and with Western Michigan University and Lebanon Valley College. At the international level, Anastas won gold medals With South Korea at the 2015 IIHF World Championships as the Assistant Coach of the Division I, Group B Men’s National Team, and as the Head Coach of the Division II, Group A Korean U18 team.

Perrett is currently an Assistant Coach with the Mount Royal Cougars Women’s hockey team, and returns to Team Alberta after serving as an Assistant Coach on Team Alberta’s gold medal-winning U16 team in 2015. Perrett has spent many years with the Team Alberta program in various roles, most recently serving as a Coach Mentor at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Winter Games, and will mentor once again at the upcoming Alberta Challenge.

“We’re looking forward to having both Spiros and Craig back with the Team Alberta program,” said Mike Kraichy, manager of Team Alberta. “Both coaches are coming off gold medals in their respective years, and we’re excited to see how they will build off those successes.”

The U16 Male Program is the third stage of the development and identification process to select a roster for Team Alberta to compete at either the U16 Western Challenge or the Canada Winter Games. The Games are held every four years, with the next event set for 2019 in Red Deer. Players in the U16 Male program will be challenging for the opportunity to compete on one of the three teams that represent Canada each year at the World U17 Hockey Challenge.

The High Performance U18 program works towards identifying the top 20 female players in Alberta, who will comprise Team Alberta U18 representing the province at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship or the Canada Winter Games. Making this team is the pinnacle of female amateur hockey in Alberta, and a major lifetime highlight for the players.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for January is Joe Bouvier of Clive.

In addition to serving as the Head Coach of the Clive Atom team, Joe is the Assistant Coach of Clive’s Novice and Initiation teams, to go along with his duties as the Vice President and Coach Mentor of the Clive Minor Hockey Association.

Joe has a long history as a player and a coach. Growing up, Joe played minor hockey in Central Alberta and went on to play in the WHL in Saskatchewan. He then moved to New Brunswick for University, where he played CIS hockey. Shortly after University, he moved to Austria to play professional hockey. Joe has been coaching for a total of twelve years at all levels across Canada.

“Joe has a passion for hockey, a skill set for teaching, knowledge of the game, and the skills to demonstrate and understand the process of making kids love and learn the game, and maybe most importantly, Joe believes there is a place in hockey for all kids,” said a fellow coach, who nominated Joe for the award. “He (Joe) is always available for our association’s coaches to ask him questions. And, he understands the game and the kids so well that he can give good guidance to all our coaches on a daily basis. Once a month, he goes on the ice with each of our teams and mentors the coaches by running a skills and drills practice. This gives the coaches age appropriate drills and explanations why to do these drills, as well as what to look for to correct and develop each child. Joe has been a huge role model for all of our players and has helped our Clive kids reach their full potential.”

RED DEER – The goaltender position has evolved dramatically over the past few decades.

Not only has the equipment changed and improved, so has the coaching, mechanics and mental training associated with the position.

In order to ensure that Alberta’s goaltenders, and their coaches, are properly equipped for the best performance possible in this specialized position, Hockey Alberta has developed a new Provincial Goaltender Development Plan.

“The goaltender position is a unique one in the sport of hockey. In working with coaches and athletes across the province, we have identified the need to better support the overall training and development of goaltenders,” said Justin Fesyk, Senior Management of Development. “Hockey Alberta’s new goaltender development plan focuses on ensuring goalies at all levels have the chance to enjoy the position and the game of hockey to the fullest.”

The Goaltender Development Plan has a multi-pronged approach. One focal point is on developing the knowledge and expertise of coaches, both regionally and within individual associations. The other prong involves providing goaltenders with specialized training opportunities, where they can work with other goalies as well as some of the most experienced goaltender coaches in the province.

The initial stages of the plan are being implemented over the next few months, in preparation for full operation starting in September for the 2017-18 season.

The first step is to identify and recruit six Goaltender Coach Leads who will be strategically located around the province and work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

The position outline and application instructions for the Regional Goaltender Lead positions are available on the Hockey Alberta website. Deadline for applications is February 22.

“The Regional Goalie Leads will be the keys to the success of the Goaltender Development Plan,” said Matt Weninger, Regional Centre South Consultant, and a former Junior A and NCAA goaltender. “The Leads will coordinate support to our minor hockey associations, educating coaches, planning practices and camps, supporting MHAs with their goalie evaluation process, and mentoring coaches.”

In addition to selecting the Regional Leads, a number of training weekends are already scheduled for goaltenders, coaches, and development directors.

For goalies, three goaltender camps have been organized - two open to any 2000-2007 born goaltender, and one targeted at elite level goalies:

The big event for coaches and development directors will be June 17-18 at Sylvan Lake, Each Local Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) in Alberta will be able to nominate an individual to attend the Goalie Coach Training Seminar. As well, LMHA development directors will receive training on building a goalie development plan for their own organization. More details on both segments of the Sylvan Lake event will be available in March.

RED DEER – The first month of 2017 has come to a close in the Alberta Female Hockey League, with the St. Albert Slash (Midget AAA) still in the lead, while the Sherwood Park Fury (Midget Elite), and St. Albert Raiders (Bantam Elite) have moved to the top of their respective leagues.

St Albert’s first year forward Madison Willan continues to lead all skaters in goals (17), assists (18) and points (35), with her teammatesCassidyMaplethorpe and TyraMeropoulis right behind her in total points with 31 and 28, respectively.

Four goaltenders sit tied atop the league with a save percentage of .940; St. Albert’s Brianna Sank, Calgary’s Katie Crowther, Red Deer’s ChantelleSandquist and Lloydminster’sBella McKee. Sank boosts the top goals against average with 1.31 and three shutouts on the season while her counterpart in St Albert, CamrynDrever, leads the way with 11 wins.

Red Deer’s DanicaPolsonleads all skaters in points (22) and goals (17) as January comes to a close, while Calgary Fire White’s SydenySpicer holds the lead in assists with 11.

Red Deer’s Jayda Thompson of Red Deer continues to lead the way for goaltenders with a .75 goals against average, while also boasting a .960 save percentage and seven wins on the season. Sherwood Park’s Sara McNamara also sports a .960 save percentage and sits tied with Thompson for the league lead, while Peace Country’s Paige Jassman continues to lead in wins and shutouts, with 12 and six, respectively

Olds’ Sarah Wozniewicz heads into February the league-leader in goals (23) and points (28). Sherwood Parks’ Vanessa Verbitsky is not far behind with 25 points, and leads the league with 15 assists.

St. Albert’s Holly Borrett and Olds’ Jocelynn Pearce continue to lead the way with 0.960 save percentages and .68 and .89 goals against averages, respectively. Borrett’s counterpart in St. Albert, Elle Boyko, remains the league-leader wins with seven.

The inaugural AFHL All Star Game was hosted in Strathmore, Alberta on January 14, 2017. A full recap and list of participants can be seen here.

Outside of the rink, many of our AFHL Teams participated in the inaugural Alberta Hockey Day. The focus and theme was on the introduction, development and celebration of female hockey. Thank you to our AFHL members Calgary, Lloydminster and Leduc (North Central) for participating and helping spread the message of #WhyWePlay.

RED DEER - Hockey Canada, in partnership with Hockey Alberta, is pleased to announce the registration for the 2017 Spring Development Program. This program is available for Initiation through to Midget-aged hockey players.

This ten week program will run in Calgary, at the Winsport complex, and at Great Plains Arena, from April 3rd until June 11th (dates subject to change).

This Spring Development Program is a multisport training and hockey skill development program. Each on-ice session is paired with an off-ice athletic development session. Multisport training includes: basketball, lacrosse, floorball, soccer, football, physical literacy, and more.

*Please note - there are fewer sessions for initiation age group players.

All on-ice skill sessions are individual skill based. Efforts will be made to group players of similar skill sets into the same sessions to promote optimal player growth and foster teaching opportunities. Goaltender specific instruction/mentorship is included in every session.

For questions and more information, or if you are interested in registering a large group or team for this program, please contact Ross Maclean at Hockey Canada (403-777-3615).

MEDICINE HAT - Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with the Western Hockey League to present another installment of the WHL Game Day Speaker Series with the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, February 15.

This seminar is open to all local minor hockey coaches registered with Hockey Alberta. The seminar will allow for coaches to attend a Medicine Hat Tigers home game, where participants will get a behind-the-scenes experience to talk and learn from WHL coaches. With both practical and theoretical learning experiences, this is a great educational opportunity for coaches.

The seminar takes place at the home of the Tigers, the Canalta Centre, and feature a pre-game presentation from Hockey Alberta, a visit from Victoria Royals’ Head Coach, Dave Lowry, a ticket to watch the Tigers game, and a Q&A session after the game with members of the Medicine Hat Tigers coaching staff.

The seminar has a maximum capacity of 30 participants, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Coach Bios

Shaun Clouston

Shaun is in his 14th season with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He has been the Head Coach for seven seasons, and the General Manager for five seasons.

He has also been the Assistant Coach for Team Canada’s U18 squad at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, and was the Head Coach for Team Canada at the U18 World Championships.

Dave Lowry

Dave has been the Head Coach of the Victoria Royals for the past 5 seasons. Last season, Dave won the DuncMcCallum Memorial Trophy as the WHL Coach of the Year. He was also the Head Coach of Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championships and was an assistant at the 2015 World Junior Championships (winning gold).

Prior to his coaching career Dave played in 1084 NHL games with Vancouver, St. Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calgary.

RED DEER/STRATHMORE – The inaugural Alberta Female Hockey League All-Star celebrations were a huge success, with the Midget Elite South and Bantam Elite North teams coming out on top in their respective games.

RED DEER - The road to the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, has officially begun for hundreds of teams and thousands of players across the province as Zone Playdowns get underway.

The Zone Playdowns serve as the qualifying process for teams to earn the right to represent their zone at the Provincial Championships in March. In some Zones, teams are faced with the arduous task of having to play as many as four or five rounds of Playdown action by the end of February in the bid to earn their Zone crown. In cases where only one team declared an interest in competing at the Provincials, that team has earned a direct berth to the championships.

All Zone Playdowns are two-game, total-goal series. Playdown draw brackets, completion dates, and results can be viewed on the Hockey Alberta website. Results will be updated on a regular basis. Click here for Zone Playdown draws.

CALGARY – Hockey Canada is inviting all Canadians to celebrate hockey on Saturday, January 28, in conjunction with ParticipACTION.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, ParticipACTION created the ParticipACTION 150 Play List – the ultimate list of activities that define us as Canadians! The top 150 activities – across sport, recreation and the activities of daily life – have been selected by Canadians and highlighted throughout this initiative across the country to show how physical activity is part of what it means to be Canadian.

Saturday, January 28 has been set aside to celebrate #99 on the ParticipACTION 150 Play List - the sport of hockey. In collaboration with ParticipACTION, Hockey Canada invites all Canadians to celebrate hockey in all its forms and post their photos on social media; whether you enjoy pond hockey, sledge hockey, street hockey, mini-stick hockey, floorball – show Canada through social media by using the following hashtags: #150PlayList and #HockeyCanada.

In addition, during the week of January 23-29, Hockey Canada invites coaches and managers of Minor Hockey Teams across the country to participate in a voluntary ‘’Bring a Friend to the Rink’’ campaign for kids of Atom ages or younger. Teams with flexibility to run this initiative are supported by Hockey Canada, with the following minimum equipment mandatory: helmet and full-face mask, neck guard, gloves and skates.

The Speaker Series features a game-day seminar session, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in action.

The Seminar will take place at the Casman Centre in Fort McMurray. There are only 30 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $40 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for December is Kelsey Leifson, head coach of the Calgary Bantam Elite Fire Red. Kelsey had an overwhelming amount of support for this award.

Kelsey comes from a small town in Saskatchewan and recalls her favorite memories coming from the rink after school. Playing hockey from the age of six all the way until her last year of University, Kelsey’s passion for the game has since shifted into the coaching side of the sport. When Kelsey moved to Calgary, she started working with the MRU Cougars hockey team from 2014-2016, and this year took over the head coaching role for the AFHL’s Calgary Bantam Elite Fire Red team.

Kelsey’s coaching philosophy comes from her experience with hockey. “The life experiences and friendships I have gained through the game are impossible to replace and I believe in providing the players I coach with the same opportunities," she said. "I want my players to understand the importance of respect, accountability, and individuality as ultimately it is each individuals strength who bring success to the team together.”

Many of Kelsey’s players and parents from the team had wonderful things to say about their coach.

“I think my coach deserves this award because she stepped up for our team when we were in need. She’s not only there to make us better hockey players, but also better people,” said a player of Kelsey’s.

“Kelsey is an excellent role model for Female hockey players because she gets what it mean to be a female hockey player and she takes interest in every individual player," said another player of Kelsey’s. "Coach Kelsey encourages us to be confident in ourselves so we can work together on the ice.”

“She (Kelsey) has brought a positive infectious attitude to the team that the players are feeding off of every day. She has shown a passion for developing the total athlete both on and off the ice and has created an environment where every athlete is free to be the best they can be,” said a team parent.

“I truly admire her (Kelsey) and hope to grow to be like her one day she is, confident, strong, athletic, beautiful, and so smart. I’ve very glad that my coach has recreated an environment that I am proud to be a part of, and I’m so happy to have her as a coach,” said a third player, who also nominated Kelsey for the award.

December’s Coach of the Month winner was selected from a pool of female coach nominations, in anticipation of Alberta Hockey Day on January 21. To learn more about Alberta Hockey Day, click here.

The Speaker Series runs on Friday, February 10, and features a game-day seminar session, offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the Grande Prairie Storm in action.

The Seminar will take place at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie. There are only 20 seats available for the seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $40 (plus GST) per coach, and includes the following ($200 value):

CALGARY – For Canadian hockey fans, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year; between the World Juniors in Montreal and Toronto, Team Canada around the world, and minor hockey tournaments across the country – not to mention family games on the backyard rinks – hockey options abound.

Hockey Canada is giving Canadians one more way to take part in Canada’s game with the endless pass. And the best part is, all ages and skill-levels can take part.

The initiative, which leverages social media channels, is part of the #PassItForward campaign celebrating the positive impact hockey has on its participants and fans.

“At the root of this campaign is a reminder of what hockey brings to the lives of Canadians from all walks of life, and the overwhelming answers have nothing to do with on-ice skills,” said Tom Renney, president and CEO, Hockey Canada. “Hockey should be about fun, teamwork, being active and healthy, and building those key characteristics that make us great citizens. PassItForward highlights what hockey is to Canadians, and encourages everyone to take part in talking about our great game.”

Celebrities from national team players such as MélodieDaoust, Greg Westlake, and Patrice Bergeron to Hollywood A-lister Michael J. Fox are part of the television spots which see Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life take a pass and #PassItForward as they talk about how they have developed through hockey. The spots will air in French and English on a number of networks, including Hockey Canada’s broadcast partners TSN and RDS.

To kick-start the campaign, Hockey Canada is inviting Canadians to take to their social media networks on Dec. 31 to take part in the endless pass. The concept is simple – participants are asked to post a video or simply write out what hockey did for them using the campaign hashtag, and #PassItForward by tagging a teammate, friend, or family member.

“We want to close out 2016 with a celebration of hockey and what it means to be Canadian,” said Renney. “It’s easy to take for granted the role hockey and organized sport plays in the development of life skills. This campaign is a celebration of that, and we hope it also encourages Canadians to get involved in our great game – as a fan, participant, or volunteer.”

RED DEER – As the 2016 portion of the Alberta Female Hockey League season comes to a close, the St. Albert Slash (Midget AAA), Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (Midget Elite), and Calgary Fire White (Bantam Elite) all lead their respective leagues heading into 2017.

St Albert’s first year forward Madison Willan closes out 2016 leading all skaters in points (24) and assists (11). Rocky Mountain Raiders forward Nicole Fry is tied with Willan for the lead league in points, and leads the way goals (15).

AFHL puck stoppers had another strong month with three goaltenders at the top all with a .940 save percentages: St. Albert’s Brianna Sank, Calgary’s Katie Crowther and Lloydminster’sBella McKee. Sank boasts three shutouts while her counterpart in St Albert, CamrynDrever, leads the way with 8 wins on the season.

Outside of AFHL Play, Calgary Fire, LloydminsterSteelers and Rocky Mountain Raiders traveled to Saskatchewan to compete in the Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament. All three teams has a strong showing and competed hard throughout the weekend.

Midget Elite

Our Midget Elite teams had a hard fought first half of the season as the competitiveness of this division increases. The Midget Elite standings at the end of December are:

Calgary Fire White’s DanikaStang has taken over the league lead in points with 19, while Red Deer’s DanicaPolson holds the lead in goals (14), and St. Albert’s PaydenBialowas leads the way in assists (10).

Jayda Thompson of Red Deer continues to lead all Midget Elite goaltenders with a .860 goals against average, a 960 save percentage, along with six wins on the season. Peace Country’s Paige Jassman leads the way in wins and shutouts, with 12 and six, respectively.

Rosters for the inaugural AFHL Midget Elite All-Star Game were announced on December 20. Rosters >

Bantam Elite

Things remain tight in the hunt for the Bantam Elite regular season title! Four points separate third from first in the North, whereas down south, Calgary White and the OldsGrizzlys are battling it out for top position. The Bantam Elite standings heading into January are:

Rosters for the inaugural AFHL Midget Elite All-Star Game were announced on December 20. Rosters >

Teams have earned a well-deserved winter break and league play will resume on January 7, after the holidays. January will be an exciting month as league play resumes as well the AFHL host its inaugural All Star Games and AFHL teams will help celebrateAlberta Hockey Day on January 21.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for November is Kent Goodreau from Pincher Creek.

Kent, currently the coach of the Pincher Creek Midget 1 team, has been coaching since the 2002-2003 season, and since then he has been head coach or assistant coach of multiple teams each year. This will be his last year coaching.

“I have been fortunate to coach with some excellent people along the way, which has taught me a lot and has made it easy for me to enjoy the game,” said Kent.

“He (Kent) has been coaching since our kids were about six years old," said the parent who nominated Kent. "Kent provides guidance to our Midget players but, at the same time lets them play their style of game. He has a great relationship with each player and enjoys the team as a whole. He has been such an amazing coach for all these years!”

Kent’s coaching philosophy is very player centered. “My coaching philosophy is to bring out the best in every player, and to always have fun and improve every time you step on the ice to practice or play a game. To create pride for what you accomplish through hard work, and respect all that participates in the game of hockey. Also to have these values continued into everyday life. What makes a great coach is a great team of players!”

Two forwards and one defence from each AFHL team were selected to their respective All-Star rosters by AFHL coaches, while goaltenders were selected based on their statistical ranking as of December 19. The coaches chosen to represent the North and South teams in each league are from the first and second place teams within each division.

Both All-Star games are set for January 14 – with Red Deer hosting the Midget Elite game, and Strathmore hosting the Bantam Elites. The Midget Elite All-Star game begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Penhold Regional Multiplex, and the Bantam Elite All-Star game gets underway at 1:45 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

In addition to the All Star games, the host Associations will be offering development clinics for female athletes within their communities.

A total of 39 Provincial Championships will be hosted across the province, at locations ranging from Fort McMurray in the north, the Foothills (High River and Blackie) in the south, to Lloydminster in the east and Grande Prairie in the west.

Host sites for two 2018 Provincial Championships have also been confirmed, with the BonnyvillePontiacs hosting the Senior AA championship, and the Fort St. John Huskies hosting the Junior B championships.

ATB Financial will once again headline as the presenting sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, continuing a long-standing relationship with Hockey Alberta.

Hockey Alberta’s month-long “March to a title” features provincial championship tournament action during three weekends in March, along with four champions crowned through league playoff series. Organizations interested in hosting a provincial championship tournament completed a detailed bid process, with a bid committee evaluating the submissions.

The majority of teams competing in minor Provincial Championship tournaments qualify by winning a zone playdown. Playdowns start in mid-January across the province, with up to 1,000 teams vying for the right to represent their zone at the provincial championships. Host teams receive an automatic berth in the championship they are hosting, although they do participate in zone playdowns, and have the opportunity to win their zone title.

The following provincial champions will be decided via league playoffs: Senior AAA, Junior A, Midget AAA, and Bantam AAA.

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Hockey Alberta is proud to host its inaugural Alberta Hockey Day on January 21, 2017, to celebrate and showcase female hockey across the province.

This day will combine a number of on and off-ice events catered to both new and existing participants, focusing on fun, skills and friendships.

Grande Prairie will be the host site of Alberta Hockey Day’s main event, with special guests scheduled to attend, including two-time Olympic gold medallist and former Team Alberta player and coach Carla MacLeod.

Hockey Alberta’s goal is to develop female players, coaches and officials who are currently in our program while introducing the sport to new participants. All sessions offered throughout the day will be at no cost to the participants, in an effort to connect our sport to a larger audience.

BONNYVILLE — For Junior A hockey fans, Bonnyville is the place to be, Dec. 11-17, as the best players from Canada’s 10 Junior A leagues will be competing in the 2016 World Junior A Challenge.

And tickets are still available for the event — online and at the Bonnyville District & Centennial Centre box office.

Two Canadian teams and four international squads make up the two pools of three teams that will face off in the 11th edition of the tournament at the R.J. Lalonde Arena.

Canada East will be the first Canadian team to see action, taking on the Czech Republic in the tournament-opener on Sunday, Dec. 11, while Canada West will make its debut that night when it faces Switzerland.

Defending champions Team Canada West plays in Group A with Russia and Switzerland, while Team Canada East is in Group B with the Czech Republic and the United States.

This is the second time the event is held in an Alberta community since the tournament’s inception; Camrose hosted the World Junior A Challenge in 2008.

The first-place team in each group will receive a bye to the semifinals on Thursday, Dec. 15, with the second-place and third-place teams crossing over for the quarterfinals Wednesday, Dec. 14. The losers of the semifinals will meet for the bronze medal on Friday, Dec. 16, while the winners will face off for gold on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Since the first World Junior A Challenge in 2006, more than 260 NHL draft picks have played in the tournament, including 36 first-round selections. Canada West won gold at the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, and also took the top prize in 2011 and 2015. The team also earned silver in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and won bronze in 2013. Canada East earned silver medals in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011, and claimed bronze in 2008.

LETHBRIDGE - Hockey Alberta is proud to partner with the Western Hockey League to present two more installments of the WHL Game Day Speaker Series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

These seminars are open to all local minor hockey coaches registered with Hockey Alberta. The seminar will allow for coaches to attend a Lethbridge Hurricanes home game, where participants will get a behind-the-scenes experience to talk and learn from WHL coaches. With both practical and theoretical learning experiences, this is a great educational opportunity for coaches.

Each seminar costs $45 per coach, and includes:

Hurricanes game ticket

One drink voucher

Chicken wings

Souvenir Lethbridge Hurricanes hat.

Both seminars take place at the home of the Hurricanes, the Enmax Centre, and feature a pre-game presentation from Hockey Alberta, a visit from the visiting team’s Coach, a ticket to watch the Hurricanes game, and a Q&A session after the game with members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes coaching staff.

Seminar dates, details, and registration information can be found below. Each seminar has a maximum capacity of 30 participants, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

The Speaker Series features two game-day seminar sessions, with each session offering a unique professional development opportunity to learn from high profile junior coaches - as well as a chance to catch the CamroseKodiaks in action.

Both seminars take place at the EnCana Arena in Camrose. There are only 30 seats available per seminar, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $40 (plus GST) per coach per seminar, and includes the following ($200 value):

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month for October 2016 is Charles Hainsworth of Eckville.

Charles only started coaching hockey last season, but has been a coach for a total of four years. This season, he is both the Assistant Coach for the Eckville Novice Eagles and Head Coach of the Eckville Atom Eagles.

“I started when my kids were getting involved with sports and I wanted to be there to motivate and encourage them" said Hainsworth. "As my coaching progresses, I want all the kids to have the same opportunities. I enjoy volunteering my time for local organizations.”

“He provides more enthusiasm than one can imagine, always showing up well prepared and proving to be a great role model, even the parents are motivated by him,” said a parent and member of his coaching staff, who nominated Charles for the award. “Charles wants his coaching to provide the kids with the tools to not only be better hockey players but good members of society.”

LETHBRIDGE/MEDICINE HAT – Hockey Alberta has partnered with the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and the Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association to offer a series of coach development workshops, hosted by Hockey Alberta’s South Regional Centre.

The Coach Workshop Series will equip coaches with the tools to better teach fundamental skills and team tactics, improve player evaluation skills, and provide new ideas on how to deliver a practice and to develop their ability to progress and regress drills to best suit their athletes.

The seminars are free of charge and open to coaches of all levels. To RSVP, please contact Matt Weninger, Consultant, Hockey Alberta South Regional Centre.

Alberta took a 2-1 lead out of the first period thanks to goals from ChloéPuddifant and Courtney Kollman,and led 4-2 heading into the third after Taylor Sawka and TyraMeropoulis scored in the second period. Saskatchewan made tied the game with goals just 15 seconds apart early in the third, before DaraGreig put Alberta ahead for good six minutes later. Kollman later netted her second goal of the game with an empty Saskatchewan net. Sawka was named Team Alberta’s Player of the Game.

In her second start for Alberta, goaltender CamrynDrever made 33 saves to earn her first win of the tournament. Both Drever and Amanda Zeglen finished the tournament with a 1-1 record in net.

REGINA – Team Alberta fell 3-1 to Team B.C. on Friday morning, missing out on a semi-final berth at the National Women’s U18 Championships.

B.C. got off to a hot start with two goals in the first ten minutes of the game, before Ireland Perrott answered for Alberta to make it a 2-1 game. Following a scoreless second period, B.C. put up an insurance marker seven minutes into the third for a 3-1 final.

Amanda Zeglen put up her second-straight 30-plus save performance, stopping 31 shots as Team Alberta was out-shot 34-28. Forward Courtney Kollman was named Alberta’s Player of the Game.

REGINA – Team Alberta evened its record at 1-1, with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Team Manitoba on Thursday morning at the 2016 National Women’s U18 Championship.

Captain Taylor Sawka opened the scoring half-way through the second period to give Team Alberta a 1-0 lead. Ashton Bell tied the game eight minutes into the third period for Manitoba.But, Alberta took advantage of some good fortune, tallying what proved to the game-winner less than two minutes later on an own-goal by Manitoba. TyraMeropoulis was credited with the goal.

Amanda Zeglen stood tall in net for Team Alberta as Manitoba fired 38 shots her way, including a barrage of 21 shots in the third period alone. She was named Team Alberta’s Player of the Game for her 37-save performance.

REGINA – Team Alberta opened the 2016 National Women’s U18 Championship with a 6-2 loss to Team Quebec on Wednesday afternoon.

Quebec got off to a quick 2-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game, before Alberta answered back with a power-play goal from Emily Moore. Quebec would go on to score three unanswered goals before DaraGreig replied for Alberta. Defender Alexa McMillan was named Team Alberta’s Player of the Game.

REGINA – The quest for gold for Team Alberta’s U18 Female team starts now, as the 2016 National Women’s U18 Championship kicks off in Regina.

Team Alberta opens play today (Wednesday) at noon against Team Quebec, followed by back-to-back 9 a.m. match-ups on Thursday and Friday against Team Manitoba and Team B.C., respectively, to close out round-robin play. Semi-final and consolation round games are set for Saturday, with the gold and bronze medal games to be played on Sunday.

All preliminary-round games, placement games, semifinals, and the bronze-medal game will be streamed live online at www.hockeycanada.ca/nwu18c, while TSN will broadcast the gold-medal game Sunday, Nov. 13 starting at 5 pm Mountain Time.

For a full schedule, and more information on the U18 Nationals, click here.

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Team Alberta alumnus and World U17 Hockey Challenge All-Star Ty Smith (left) celebrates a goal with his Team Canada Black teammate. (Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada)

JARVENPAA, FINLAND – Former Team Alberta goaltender EmeranceMaschmeyer earned yet another medal in international competition on Sunday, bringing home silver with Team Canada at the 4 Nations Cup following a 5-3 loss to the United States.

It’s the second silver medal in as many years for Maschmeyer and Team Canada, having narrowly missed out on gold last year against the U.S..

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO – Four skaters from the 2015 gold medal-winning Team Alberta U16 squad came away with a silver medal at the World U17 Hockey Challenge after a narrow 2-1 loss to Sweden.

Ty Smith, Eric Florchuk, Sean Comrie and Chase Wouters all helped Team Canada Black reach the final game of the tournament, and came up just one goal short of earning a second straight gold medal for Canada. With two goals and two assists in six games, Smith was named one of the tournament’s All-Star defencemen.

In total, nine Team Alberta alumni suited up for the World U17 Hockey Challenge: Jonathan Tychonick, Elijah Brown and Tristen Nielsen finished in fourth place with Team Canada White, while Carl Stankowski and Josh Tarzwell finished right behind in fifth place with Team Canada Red.

In August 2016, Hockey Alberta partnered with Powerscout Hockey and St. Albert Minor Hockey to conduct a study on the effectiveness of smaller ice surfaces in skill development. The study featured 40 Initiation-aged players (five- and six-year-olds) who participated in a series of tests to collect data on a number of game and practice scenarios.

Hockey Alberta has worked with Minor Hockey Association Development Directors over the past couple of years to implement the Initiation guidelines. As part of that process, Hockey Alberta has received feedback that asks whether the smaller surface limits skating development, rather than enhancing it.

With regard to skating development, specific data for skating speed and acceleration was collected from the following scenarios:

Overall, an analysis of the data and observation of the on-ice sessions reinforce that using a smaller ice surface at the Initiation level helps in the overall positive development of skating skills and skating acceleration for our youngest players, thereby better preparing them for when they are old enough to move to higher levels of hockey.

The first coach of the month award for the 2016-17 season goes to Josh Gork of Edmonton.

Josh is the head coach for the KC West Peewee Ice Wolves. This is his third year head coaching, and he has previously coached teams at the Peewee and Atom levels.

“He is just a volunteer, his son is two years old and he doesn’t have a child in the club. He just does it for the love of the game and the kids.” said a parent from the team, who nominated Josh for this award. “Josh is genuinely a kind hearted man. You can see this in the way he works with all the kids and how he deals with the parents, it is just so welcoming.”

“I believe that hockey should be fun as well as competitive.” Josh said, when asked about his coaching philosophy. “I try to take bottom players and develop and shape them into the top team players. I start with the fundamentals and push the kids towards more advanced drills as a team. We win as a team and we lose as a team.”

CALGARY - Team Alberta’s penchant for the dramatic was on display once again, skating away with gold at the 2016 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup after a 3-2 overtime win over Team BC.

Carter Chorney played the hero for Team Alberta, scoring the medal-winning goal just 31 seconds in to the extra frame.

Team Alberta jumped out to a 2-0 with goals from Ethan Browne and Dylan Holloway, and took a 2-1 lead into the third period after Ethan Leyh replied for Team BC. Alex Swetlikoff knotted the score at two with just five minutes left in the game, setting up a dramatic, albeit short, overtime battle.

Goaltender Taylor Gauthier stood tall for Team Alberta in net, stopping 32 of 34 shots en route to a gold medal. Roman Basran took the overtime loss for BC, making 26 saves on 29 shots.

"We got the job done today, it was a close game," said Head Coach Bram Stephen. "All week, there were certain points in games, in the Saskatchewan game they tied it up late, and in this game (BC) tied it up late, and it wasn’t easy, none of the games were. They all seemed to come together in key moments, the group got closer as the week went on, and they played a strong team game."

CALGARY – Team Alberta will defend the Western Canada U16 Challenge crown after a 3-2 victory over Team BC on Friday night.

Connor Bouchardscored the winning goal with just over six minutes to play, as Team Alberta finished the round-robin portion of the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. Ethan Browne and Dylan Holloway assisted on the game-winner.

Brayden Tracey took care of the rest Team Alberta’s offence with his third and fourth goals of the tournament to erase an early 1-0 BC lead. Tracey got his first of the game with less than three minutes remaining in the second period, on assists from Peyton Krebs and Kirby Dach, and followed that with a penalty shot tally just over a minute into the third period.

BC tied the game 2-2 three minutes later, setting the stage for Bouchard’s winner. Joshua Williams scored both goals for Team BC.

Byron Fancy earned the win in net for Team Alberta, stopping 25 of 27 shots. Roman Basran took the loss in the BC net.

Team Alberta advances directly to the championship final on Sunday at 1 pm. They will play the winner of Saturday’s semi-final between Team BC and Team Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan earned its semi-final berth with a 3-2 overtime win over Team Manitoba Friday afternoon.

For more stats, schedule and ticket information for the Western Canada U16 Challenge, click here.

CALGARY – After narrowly escaping with a win against Saskatchewan to open the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, Team Alberta left nothing to chance on Thursday night, taking down Manitoba 5-1 to move to a perfect 2-0 record.

Manitoba struck first just 1:32 into the game, but Alberta responded with five unanswered goals to skate away with a victory.

In his first start of the tournament, netminderByron Fancy stopped all but one of the 31 shots sent his way by Manitoba. Fancy’s counterpart DantonBelluk also made 30 saves, allowing five goals on 35 shots.

With an assist on the game-winning goal by Ethan Browne, defencemanBowen Byram was named the Player of the Game for Team Alberta. Manitoba blueliner Michael Ladyman earned the honours for his team.

The win sets up an exciting match-up with Team B.C. on Friday night, as both teams come into the game a perfect 2-0. The winner of Friday’s game will finish in first place, and will advance straight to Sunday’s gold medal final. Game time is 6:30 p.m. at the MarkinMacPhail Centre at WinSport.

For more stats, schedule and ticket information for the Western Canada U16 Challenge, click here.

The exciting new partnership between Hockey Alberta and the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League will offer five different seminars between November and February, offering the chance to learn from some of the top coaches in the game.

Each seminar costs $40 per coach, and include the following ($200 value):

A ticket to the Red Deer Rebels game

Food/drink voucher

1.5 hour presentation from Hockey Alberta

Hockey Alberta resource package

Hockey Alberta gift and other giveaway items

All five seminars take place at the home of the Rebels, the EnmaxCentrium, and feature a pre-game presentation from one of Hockey Alberta’s Coach Mentors, Fran Gow or Barry Medori, a visit from the visiting team’s Coach, a ticket to watch the Rebels game, and a Q&A session after the game with Brent Sutter, Head Coach and General Manager of the Red Deer Rebels, along with other Rebels staff.

Seminar dates, details, and registration information can be found below. Each seminar has a maximum capacity of 20 participants, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

CALGARY – With overtime all but a certainty, Team Alberta opened the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup with a 4-3 victory over Saskatchewan, thanks to Dylan Holloway’s goal with 2.6 seconds left in regulation.

Alberta jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but Saskatchewan pulled within one late in the first, and tied it in the dying minutes of the second period. Team Alberta took the lead again in the third, only to see Saskatchewan tie it yet again, setting up the dramatic finish from Holloway.

"I thought we came out really strong in the first period," said Head Coach Bram Stephen. "We were sharp, we were snappy, we were playing hard at both ends of the ice, and we were engaged. It probably went that way until about mid-way through the second, and then we started getting a little bit loose in our structure and discipline, we had to kill off some penalties, and that could’ve been a bit better."

"You’ve got to give Saskatchewan credit, I thought they played a really good third period, they battled back from a deficit a couple of times, and we got some timely goals, obviously," said Stephen. "There’s a lot to work on as far as structure goes and just making sure our group is accountable to eachother, but, you know what, it’s a win, and it puts us in a better situation moving forward."

Captain Peyton Krebs led the way for Team Alberta, scoring two goals and setting up Holloway for the game-winner, earning Player of the Game honours for his efforts. Liam Keeler pitched in a goal and and assist for Alberta, while defender Jake Lee added two helpers.

Taylor Gauthier made 18 saves for Team Alberta, while his counterpart Logan Maier made 22 stops for Saskatchewan.

Logan Barlage was named the Player of the Game for Saskatchewan, who will face Team B.C. Thursday afternoon.

Up next for Team Alberta is Team Manitoba, who fell 7-3 to B.C. on Wednesday afternoon. Game time is 6:30 p.m. at MarkinMacPhail Centre at Winsport.

For more stats, schedule and ticket information for the Western Canada U16 Challenge, click here.

CALGARY – The title defense is on for Team Alberta U16 Male, as the 2016 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup begins today in Calgary.

Team Manitoba and Team B.C. kick off the tournament this afternoon (Wednesday) at 3 pm, while Team Alberta’s quest for another championship begins tonight at 6:30 pm against Team Saskatchewan. Team Alberta also hits the ice again Thursday night against Team Manitoba, and wraps up round-robin play Friday night against B.C. All three Team Alberta games are set for 6:30 p.m. at the MarkinMacPhail Centre at WinSport.

Wednesday night’s game also marks a very special occasion for Team Alberta – the official unveiling of jerseys that feature Hockey Alberta’s new logo. Team members first saw the new jerseys on Monday during a team photo, but this will be the first time players representing the province of Alberta have donned the new logo in competition.

The winner of round-robin play advances straight to Sunday’s Championship game, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will battle in the semi-final on Saturday afternoon.

The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup will feature the highest-rated players in the under-16 age category from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players.

The majority of players participating in the event were selected in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft or have since been listed by WHL Clubs. The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup is made possible through financial support provided by the WHL and Hockey Canada.

For more schedule and ticket information for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, click here.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is proud to announce the City of Lethbridge as the host site for the 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup.

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns hockey program will assist Hockey Alberta with the execution of the Peewee Prospects Cup. The City of Lethbridge is no stranger to Hockey Alberta events, having previously hosted the Albert Cup in 2011 and 2012.

“We’re very excited to bring the Peewee Prospects Cup to Lethbridge,” said Dustin Moore, Coordinator, Team Alberta. “We’re looking forward to working with the Pronghorns to deliver a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The Peewee Prospects Cup is a core development program for male players, and the first step in the Team Alberta Male program. The event provides players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and referees an opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey.

The 2017 Peewee Prospects Cup features 2004-born male players, and begins with four regional camps in April, designed to allow athletes, coaches and trainers to show their skills and receive top-level instruction and evaluation. The top 40 athletes from each regional camp (two teams from each camp), six coaches, two coach mentors and two directors of operations will be selected to participate in the Hockey Alberta Peewee Prospects Cup competition.

If you have any questions about the Peewee Prospects Cup, please contact Dustin Moore.

Smith and Nielsen are also among the players selected who already have international experience, winning a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

The process, which began with 111 players who took part in a seven-day development camp in late July, will be finalized next week when the 66-player roster is divided to make up the three Canadian teams – Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, and Team Canada White - who will face the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden, and the United States in their quest for gold.

Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence officially begins with the under-17 development camp in July, and runs through the men’s high-performance camps and teams up to, and including, Canada’s National Junior Team.

The Hockey Canada Community will feature the people and the stories that make hockey happen in communities across Canada, as well as a new video blog series, ‘Tom’s Talks’, featuring Hockey Canada’s President & CEO Tom Renney.

You can also check out another new initiative - the Hockey Canada Ambassador program - where you can nominate players, coaches or volunteers in your community who contribute to the game every year. For details on the Ambassador program, check out the introductory video below:

The U16 Male squad won the 2015 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup. The team will seek to continue Alberta’s success at the event, Oct. 19-23 at the MarkinMacPhail Centre (WinSport) in Calgary.

"We are incredibly pleased to see our roster announced today,” said Head Coach Bram Stephen. “The 20 young men we have selected are deep in skill and character, and our coaching staff is excited to start working with the athletes and help Team Alberta become a strong cohesive unit."

The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup will feature the highest-rated players in the under-16 age category from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The four-team round robin tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence for players.

The majority of players participating in the event were selected in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft or have since been listed by WHL Clubs. The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup is made possible through financial support provided by the WHL and Hockey Canada.

For ticket, schedule and roster information for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup, click here.

The U18 Female team heads to the National Women’s U18 Championships in Regina, Nov. 9-13, looking to improve on last year’s eighth-place finish.

"As a staff, we are incredibly excited about the team we’ve been able to assemble,” said Head Coach Carla MacLeod. “It’s a group that is willing to earn their opportunities and we’re all looking forward to representing Alberta with pride next month."

Prior to the Nationals, the U18 Female squad will play an exhibition game in Calgary on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. against the Bantam AAA Calgary Flames at the Kyle Stuart Arena, located at Edge School for Athletes, 33055 Township Road 250 in Calgary.

The National Championship event brings together the top U18 female players from across Canada in an eight-team tournament, featuring teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (Red and Blue), Quebec and Atlantic.

For schedule and ticket information for the National Women’s U18 Championships, click here.

All six Midget AAA teams are in action Saturday, officially kicking off the league’s inaugural season.

The LloydminsterPWMSteelers are at home against the Rocky Mountain Raiders, the Calgary Fire are set to host the Edmonton Pandas, and the St. Albert Slash pay a visit to the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs.

The Midget Elite and Bantam Elite seasons both get underway on October 15. Keep track of all the action on each league’s website, or by following the AFHL on Twitter.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is now accepting nominations for Coach of the Month for the 2016-17 minor hockey season!

Coaches are an integral part of minor hockey and their countless hours and dedication provide the opportunity for over 60,000 kids in Alberta to play hockey. Help us recognize a coach in your community by nominating him or her for the Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month!

The goal of Dodge Caravan Kids is to help enrich the game of hockey for participating coaches, players and their families. Dodge Caravan Kids represents one of FCA Canada’s key community endeavours.

Each year participating Novice-level hockey teams receive $500 in funding and access to exclusive hockey benefits. To-date, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram retailers and FCA Canada Inc. have provided over $6 million to help more than 12,000 teams and 180,000 kids enjoy the game of hockey.

Who is Eligible?

- Canadian novice hockey teams and associations located within 150 kilometres of a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram retailer. Visit www.dodge.ca to locate your closest retailer. (NOTE: Atom divisions teams are ONLY eligible in Atlantic Canada.) Exemptions can be made upon request (i.e. in rural areas where car dealerships are not local).

- Teams and associations are eligible to participate regardless of other corporate sponsorships they may have, unless those partnerships are with a competing automaker or their associated retailer

Program Benefits?

Each team/association enrolled in the Dodge Caravan Kids program will receive:

- $500 in funding. Please contact your local branch/association for further information on funding policies.

- The opportunity to enter the Dodge Caravan Kids photo contest for a chance to win up to $500 in extra funding.

- The opportunity to win a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and $5,000 for your local minor hockey association.

Registration is available between September 23rd, 2016 and December 1st, 2016

RED DEER - Hockey Canada has updated Tripping Rule 7.4 in the rule book for the 2016-17 season.

Rule 7.4(b), which pertains to slew footing, contains new language and penalties for this infraction. Rule 7.4(b) now reads:

A player who slew foots an opponent shall be assessed a double minor penalty plus a game misconduct if he is standing still while committing the foul. Should the player be moving (skating) or if an injury results from the infraction, the player shall be assessed a match penalty. A match penalty shall be assessed to any player who attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent with a slew foot.

The rationale for the change is to strengthen player safety and to eliminate injuries, namely to the head, from the resulting fall. We need to eradicate dangerous and unprovoked gestures, such as slew footing, from the game.All people in the game – including players, coaches, officials and spectators – need to understand the rule and to respect the intent as we move to eliminate slew footing from hockey and strengthen player safety.

There is a video available from Hockey Canada that illustrates what officials are looking for when assessing a penalty for slew footing, which can be viewd below:

Hockey Alberta’s Referee Committee thanks everyone for their support and urges patience with the implementation of this rule as we move into the 2016-17 season.

Should you have questions, contact the Officials Zone Chair in your region, or email Dave Shaw at chairman@hareferees.ca.

RED DEER – After a successful program launch in January in Calgary and Edmonton, novice-aged hockey players across Alberta can participate in Lacing Up, an exciting partnership between Hockey Alberta and Respect Group.

Lacing Up is a free, optional, fun, interactive, online, game-based program that helps players aged 6-8 years learn the fundamentals of being a successful, respectful hockey player. Lacing Up focuses on the off-ice skills players need to know to stay healthy, play fair, support their teammates, respect officials, and contribute positively to their team.

The hour-long program features stories, adventures, games, and quizzes “hosted” by five young animated characters and their coach. Topics include:

Long Term Player Development: growth and development, nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Playing fair: the Hockey Canada Fair Play Pledge, respect for teammates, officials, and opponents, and recognizing that everyone makes mistakes.

Bullying: types of bullying, and what to do if you are the target of bullying, or if you see it happening to someone else.

Respect: for the game, each other, and ourselves.

Up and coming hockey players who are just “lacing up” are encouraged to complete this program with a parent or other adult in the household.

Parents/Guardians with an existing Respect in Sport, Respect in Sport Parent Program, Respect in the Workplace, or Respect in School profile: Click the button Lookup. Once you have found your profile and completed registration, you will be prompted to associate existing children to Lacing Up, or Add New Children to your profile

New users for Respect Group programs: Click Register. Parents/Guardians should register themselves in the system first, then follow the prompts to add children to their profile.

- A fully responsive site that automatically adjusts to the size of your screen, including mobile devices and tablets. - Full schedules for each league, including a link to the Google map location of each rink. - A score ticker across the top of the page. - A stats page for both players and goaltenders, updated automatically once a game score is inputted. - A league message board, so teams can interact with each other throughout the season. - A Social Media feed allowing you to keep up with the AFHL on Twitter and Facebook.

The main page of the site will also be updated regularly with league news and information.

Schedules have been added for Midget AAA and Bantam Elite, with the Midget Elite schedule to be added once it’s finalized.

The new website was designed by Edmonton’s Pixel Army, who also re-designed hockeyalberta.ca, and created haprovincials.ca and abcup.ca , both of which the AFHL site is modeled from. Pixel Army worked with Hockey Alberta staff to ensure functionality and appearance that meets the needs of the organization, and the entire hockey community across the province.

CALGARY – While Canadians enjoy the final weeks of summer, Bonnyville, Alta., is already thinking ahead to December, when the town will welcome the best players from Canada’s 10 Junior A leagues for the 2016 World Junior A Challenge.

The host committee and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) are already in “hockey mode” with the launch of the event schedule and full-tournament ticket packages, available online and at the Bonnyville District & Centennial Centre box office.

Two Canadian teams and four international squads make up the two groups of three teams that will face off in the 11th edition of the tournament Dec. 11-17 at the R.J. Lalonde Arena of the Bonnyville District & Centennial Centre.

Canada East will be the first Canadian team to see action, taking on the Czech Republic in the tournament-opener on Sunday, Dec. 11, while Canada West will make its debut that night when it faces Switzerland.

“It’s such an honour for our community to host this tournament for our hockey fans,” said Robb Hunter, co-chair of the 2016 World Junior A Challenge. “We’ve been working for months with a dedicated group of volunteers and we’re looking forward to the puck-drop.”

Defending champions Team Canada West plays in Group A with Russia and Switzerland, while Team Canada East is in Group B with the Czech Republic and the United States.

“"The CJHL is extremely proud and excited to bring this event to Bonnyville,” said Kirk Lamb, president of the CJHL. “The community, the volunteers and the fans will create an excellent atmosphere for the teams and will be treated to exceptional competition in return.”

Community impact

Previous editions of the World Junior A Challenge have generated more than $3 million in total economic activity in the host community and province. In addition to the local economic boom, net profits from the event stay in the community to benefit youngsters playing the game at a grassroots level.

This is the second time the event is held in an Alberta community since the tournament’s inception; Camrose hosted the World Junior A Challenge in 2008.

“We are very pleased with our partnership with the CJHL that allows its players to compete at this high-calibre tournament and represent Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, senior director of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “With its 125 communities, the CJHL is a strong part of the Canadian hockey fabric from coast to coast to coast. By hosting events like the World Junior A Challenge collaboratively with the CJHL, we are able to leave a strong legacy, raise funds for local hockey programs, and create an economic impact in excess of $3 million in the host community.”

The first-place team in each group will receive a bye to the semifinals on Thursday, Dec. 15, with the second-place and third-place teams crossing over for the quarterfinals Wednesday, Dec. 14. The losers of the semifinals will meet for the bronze medal on Friday, Dec. 16, while the winners will face off for gold on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Canada West won gold at the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, and also took the top prize in 2011 and 2015. The team also earned silver in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and won bronze in 2013. Canada East earned silver medals in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011, and claimed bronze in 2008.

Bauer and Hockey Canada’s The First Shift returns to Alberta again this season, with a new partner: Canadian Tire.

The First Shift is a truly unique experience designed to help your child fall in love with hockey before you buy all the gear. The six-week learn to play program focuses on having fun while learning basic skills. Registration is just $199, which includes full head-to-toe equipment.

More than 144 the First Shift programs have been confirmed for the 2016-17 season in provinces right across the country, many of whom are already fully subscribed. The response from Canadian families is no surprise to program organizers.

“Since those first four pilots in the spring of 2014, the interest in the First Shift has continued to grow, and it has not been an unusual occurrence for us to have to turn away interested families – in fact, it’s much more common for us to see the programs over-subscribed than under,” said Paul Carson, vice-president of membership development for Hockey Canada. “As much as Canada identifies with hockey as a symbol of our country and our citizenship, for parents who didn’t grow up playing the game – be it new Canadians or simply didn’t take part in the sport themselves growing up – The First Shift provides an easy way for them to let their kids try out the sport, and for them to become familiar with hockey’s fundamentals and the basics of the game and the equipment.

“We’ve found a substantive market for The First Shift, and are really excited about the opportunity to welcome one of Hockey Canada’s long-standing partners, Canadian Tire, to the program as we seek to reach double the number of Canadian families this season alone.”

This year, the First Shift returns to 59 communities, while 64 new communities will welcome the program. All programs are run locally by minor hockey associations, and powered by volunteers.

Growing the female game

New this season are 14 all-girl programs. The First Shift has always been open to both boys and girls, but one all-girl program was piloted in 2015-16 in Quebec, and this year, more communities have come on board as part of their strategy to grow the female game in their areas.

With an emphasis on fun, the First Shift allows kids ages 6-10 to easily try hockey for $199, which includes enrollment for a six-week, on-ice curriculum and head-to-toe BAUER equipment that each child can keep. The initiative began in 2014 with four pilot programs in Ontario and Nova Scotia, expanded the following year to 35 programs, and doubled to 81 programs delivered in the 2015-16 hockey season.

Based on surveys of families and parents whose children participated in the First Shift, 86 per cent of participants re-enroll into hockey in the First Shift Transition Program, 100 per cent of parents said their kids had fun, and 100 per cent of parents would recommend the program to a friend.

To learn more about the First Shift and how to register, please visit TheFirstShift.ca.

The First Shift will be offered in seven locations throughout Alberta in the fall, and six in the winter:

The First Shift’s mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community and enroll their kids in our sport. Because we believe in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, we designed The First Shift to break down barriers to entry by offering a program that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, fun!

RED DEER – The response was overwhelming, with nearly 60 minor hockey associations across Alberta applying to receive ice dividers to help operate Hockey Alberta’s Initiation Program within their organizations.

And Pembina Pipeline Corporation has responded by ensuring that every eligible applicant has a set of divider boards in place for the 2016-17 season.

The Initiation Program encourages associations to have dividers in place to split the ice into smaller sections, thereby providing an emphasis on skill development and safety for players six years and under.

Pembina Pipeline and Hockey Alberta originally partnered on a special grant program that would see Pembina fund approximately 30 sets of divider boards for the upcoming season. However, Pembina agreed to double the grant, thereby ensuring none of this year’s applicants are left out.

“We all know that when we sign our kids up for hockey, we’re doing it to provide them with an opportunity to be a part of a team, learn some new skills, and get some exercise, all in a safe and fun environment. We also know that many families and communities have been hit hard by the economic downturn and that having to purchase temporary boards or foam rink dividers in addition to annual fees would be an additional financial burden. This is a real opportunity for Pembina to get involved, as it hits so many of our core values,” said Don Carter, Pembina’sAthabasca District Manager.

The goal of the grant program is to remove the financial burden for Minor Hockey Associations who require these divider boards.

“We were very pleased with the overwhelming response from our associations, as it shows the importance of offering the Initiation Program for their youngest players,” said Mike Klass, Senior Manager, Business Operations, for Hockey Alberta. “Then, we were ecstatic when Pembina agreed to enhance the grant program, thereby ensuring every eligible applicant would receive divider boards.”

The grant was available to associations using the Initiation Guidelines in the 2016-17 season. Associations could apply for a full set of foam rink dividers (valued at approximately $3,000) or for funding towards the cost of a set of puck board rink dividers (valued at approximately $6,000).

RED DEER – The newest chapter in the 109-year history of Hockey Alberta begins today.

The body that has overseen amateur hockey in the province since its inception in 1907 is proud to unveil its new visual identity.

The new logo combines a number of elements that focus on how to best represent hockey in Alberta.

Alberta is represented through the use of the official gold and blue colours of the province; a stylized letter ‘A’ that also forms the profile of a net; and the inclusion of the Alberta wordmark at the base of the logo. In addition to the profile of the net, hockey is represented by the silhouette of a player. The player reflects Hockey Alberta’s new Mission statement (adopted in 2015) which focuses on ensuring that all players have the opportunity to participate and enjoy the sport, as well as Hockey Alberta’s status as a member of Hockey Canada.

“We believe the new logo connects our entire organization. For our players from each corner of the province, from grassroots to elite, and for all of our stakeholders who work so hard to ensure everyone has a positive experience in the sport, the new Hockey Alberta brand reflects our pride in our sport in our province,” said Rob Litwinski, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Alberta.

The new logo was created in conjunction with Paul Ongaro of Stadium Sportswear in Edmonton. It replaces the Hockey Alberta logo that had been in place since 2003, and the Team Alberta logo developed over the past decade.

The new visual identity can be noticed immediately at the Hockey Alberta office in Red Deer, where new exterior signage has been installed; on the website at hockeyalberta.ca; on the cover of the 2016-17 Bylaws and Regulations book (also available in digital form on the website); and on all of Hockey Alberta’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube).

The logo will adorn the jerseys worn by on-ice officials this season, as well as Hockey Alberta’s provincial team jerseys. Unveilings of the new Team Alberta jerseys will be held in the fall for the U16 Male team competing at the Western Canada Challenge (Oct. 18-23) in Calgary, and the U18 Female squad heading to the National Women’s U18 championship (Nov. 9-13) in Regina.

The transition to the new visual identity will continue throughout the fall with a new logo for the Hockey Alberta Foundation, new signage for Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centres located in Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton; new event and program logos; and new-look stationery and clothing items.

RED DEER - Twenty-seven female hockey players born in 1999-2001 have taken the next step in Hockey Alberta’s U18 Female program.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Regina. The shortlist includes three goaltenders, 9 defence, and 15 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play at the Team Alberta U18 spring camp in May, and at the Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 12-17. Forty-six players were invited to Camrose from the spring camp, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We had a great Provincial Camp in Camrose, and were very pleased with level of talent displayed by all 46 players,” said MathieuProvencher, Coordinator of Team Alberta, Female. “The 27 shortlisted athletes worked hard to take the next step, and we look forward to seeing what they can bring to Fall Camp in September.”

The shortlisted players will attend a fall camp in Calgary September 23-25, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster.

The national championship event, set for November 9-13, brings together the top U18 female players from across Canada in an eight-team tournament that will feature teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario (Red and White), Quebec and Atlantic.

Team Alberta has announced its shortlist roster for the squad that will participate in the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in the fall. The shortlist includes four goaltenders, 10 defencemen, and 18 forwards.

Players were selected to the shortlist based on their overall play throughout the Team Alberta program performance, and at the U16 Provincial Camp in Camrose, July 5-10. Eighty players were invited to Camrose, and worked through high intensity on-ice sessions, as well as off-ice training and classroom sessions.

“We were very impressed with the group of athletes we had at Summer Camp this year,” said Mike Kraichy, Manager of Team Alberta. “The next step now is for our team staff to evaluate these 32 players as they compete against their peers, and select our final roster for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.”

The shortlisted players will be scouted with their club teams in the fall, prior to final decisions on the 20 players selected to the Team Alberta roster. The Challenge Cup brings together the top U16 players from Western Canada with teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Schlenker, 31, was recently named the WHL’s top official, having received the Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy earlier this year. He completed his third season in the WHL, working the Finals as well as being named to officiate the 2016 Memorial Cup. Schlenker made his professional debut on October 17, 2015, working a game between the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and Albany Devils.

Schlenker, from Medicine Hat, Alberta, played in the WHL. He suited up with the Regina Pats and Prince Albert Raiders from 2001-2005, picking up 786 penalty minutes along the way. The blueliner headed to Europe for a season before returning home and trading his stick for a whistle.

“You just keep your head down and keep working, control what you can control and hope the rest takes care of itself,” said Schlenker at the WHL’s awards banquet. “The last five years it’s kind of gone from junior A to the Western Hockey League and the American League this year. I’ve been pretty fortunate to be in the position I’m in and I’ve had lots of help along the way.”

CAMROSE – Hockey Alberta’s summer provincial development and evaluation camps begin this week in Camrose and run throughout the month of July.

Some of Alberta’s best hockey talent will be on display at these camps, with more than 200 athletes take part in a variety of on-ice and off-ice development opportunities. All camps are open to the public and take place at the Border Paving Arena at the Camrose Recreation Centre.

The U16 Female Provincial Camp is the second stage of development and identification process that feeds into the Team Alberta U18 Female program. The top 60 players participate in on and off-ice training and classroom sessions, and compete in game environments.

The U16 Male Provincial Camp features the top 80 U16 athletes identified by Hockey Alberta working out in off-ice sessions, as well as on-ice games and practices. From Provincial Camp, a short list will be created, and players scouted with their club teams until the 20-player Team Alberta roster is named for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.

The Officials Development Camp runs in conjunction with the U16 Male summer camp, as officials work provincial camp games and receive mentoring and evaluation. This is third stage of development for officials, starting with ATB Alberta Cup zone camps, and progressing to the ATB Alberta Cup competition.

The top 46 U18 female hockey players, selected from a spring camp held in Spruce Grove, take part in a variety of games and practices. After the summer camp, players are shortlisted to continue through a fall training camp and scouting process. From there, the final 20-player Team Alberta roster will be selected for the National Women’s Under 18 Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan November 9-13.

Selected athletes receive both on and off-ice development directed by AJHL/Hockey Alberta staff, and facilitated by the High Performance I Coaching Seminar delegates. The on-ice program will consist of both practice and game sessions, and the off-ice portion will cover athleticism, mental skills and team building as well as the technical and tactical skills required to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

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Sam Steel (left-centre) and Kale Clague (right-centre), seen here celebrating Team Alberta’s 2013 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup victory, are two of the 16 Albertans selected at this year’s NHL Entry Draft. (Photo by LA Media)

When the 2016 NHL Entry Draft wrapped up on Saturday in Buffalo, 16 Albertans had heard their names called by an NHL team.

Calgary’s Jake Bean was the first to take the stage after the Carolina Hurricanes drafted the highly-touted defenceman in the first round, 13th overall.

Sam Steel, a Sherwood Park native, was the second and final Albertan drafted in the first round, taken 30th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.

The second round featured a pair of players drafted by their hometown teams, with Edmonton’s Tyler Benson and Cochrane’s Dillon Dube drafted 32nd and 56th overall by the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, respectively. Former Team Alberta Captain Kale Clague of Lloydminster was also taken in the second round, going 51st overall to the LosAngeles Kings.

Another Sherwood Park product, Carter Hart, 2016 WHL (Western Conference) and CHL Goaltender of the Year, was the lone netminder drafted from Alberta, as he went 48th overall in the second round to the Philadelphia Flyers. Hart was the first goaltender taken in the NHL draft.

CALGARY – The top 196 players in Canada have been invited to attend Hockey Canada’s men’s camps as part of the National Teams’ Summer Showcase from July 26-Aug. 6, with 21 Albertans on the list.

In its second summer, the National Teams’ Summer Showcase will bring together Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp (44 players) and Canada’s national under-17 development camp (111 players) in Calgary, at the MarkinMacPhail Centre from July 26-Aug. 2. Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp (41 players) will be hosted in Toronto July 30-Aug 2, and will feature a four-game series against the U.S., Sweden, and Finland from Aug. 3-6 in Plymouth, Mich.

Ryan Jankowski, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada, was responsible for all player selections, with assistance from regional scouts Carl Bouchard (Quebec), Barclay Branch (Ontario), Wade Klippenstein (West), Kevin Mitchell (Atlantic), and Darrell Woodley (Ontario) for the under-17 roster along with branch representatives, and with input from coaches and general managers from across the Canadian Hockey League for the under-18 and under-20 rosters.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the talent we have across the country, and for our coaches and scouts to evaluate the players in our programs,” said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and national teams. “These camps are key in selecting our international teams for the 2016-17 season, and we are looking forward to hosting 196 players as they work towards their ultimate goal of wearing the maple leaf.”

CALGARY – Families looking for financial assistance in placing their children in minor hockey can now apply for The Big Play program for the 2016-17 season.

In its second season, The Big Play is an initiative by Hockey Canada and Jumpstart, aimed at bringing 30,000 kids into the game of hockey over three years.

The vision of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is: Canada, where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams. Jumpstart’s core purpose is to enrich the lives of kids in financial need through sports and physical activity.

Jumpstart is a registered charity that helps kids from financially disadvantaged families participate in organized sports and physical activity. National in scope, but local in its focus, Jumpstart delivers support to children and youth through a Canada-wide network of Chapters and Community Partners.

CALGARY – As the inaugural Hockey Alberta Coaches Conference wrapped up on Sunday in Calgary, coaches departed with one resonating theme: process over outcome.

More than 80 coaches of all levels from across the province took part in the two-day conference, hearing from 17 of the top minds in the game.

The weekend opened with a keynote address from Dr. Stephen Norris, who challenged coaches to take a hard look at what the future looks like, and to focus that future on the children. Norris also talked about the importance of giving the game back to the players, as it is their game.

On Sunday, Tyler Dellow, an Analytics Consultant with the Edmonton Oilers, opened with a presentation on analytics, breaking down what they really mean and how they can be employed by minor hockey coaches.

To close out the weekend, Valiaho spoke about international excellence, outlining the similarities and differences in the development of coaches and players in Finland, compared to the process in Alberta.

Calgary – A week removed from his keynote address at Hockey Alberta’s 2016 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting, Dr. Stephen Norris has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker for the 2016 Coaches Conference.

Dr. Norris headlines a group of 14 speakers set to present during the two-day conference at Mount Royal University in Calgary June 18-19.

During his presentation on Friday, members of Alberta’s hockey community were challenged by Dr. Norris to take a serious look at what the future looks like, and to remember that the future needs to focus on the children in their organization. A similar challenge will likely be put forth to the coaches in attendance this weekend as Dr. Norris focuses on the roles of coaches and the effects they have on athletes.

Dr. Norris is a Consultant, Performance and Development with Hockey Canada, after previously serving as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Sport Officer at the WinSport Canada in Calgary. He played a key role as consultant to the ‘Own The Podium’ program high performance/technical group in the five years prior to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. And he was one of the five founding members and contributors to the ‘Canadian Sport For Life’ movement concerning athlete/participant development and the concept of ‘physical literacy’ within Canada.

Along with presentations, coaches will take part in an interactive hot stove, breakout sessions, social and networking opportunities. The full list of confirmed speakers/topics is as follows:

The 2016 Hockey Alberta Coaches Conference is open to coaches of all levels. The registration fee is $350, and includes conference presentations and breakout sessions, conference program/speaker materials, a registration gift, two lunches, one breakfast, one supper and a coaches social, and draw prizes.

RED DEER - Terry Engen and Fran Zinger will return to their positions as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association (Hockey Alberta).

Engen and Zinger were declared elected to their positions for three year terms during the 109th Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer.

Along with the election of officers, four notices of motion were passed. Included among the approved motions were changing the title Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer, and amending the date for the annual general meeting to require it to be held within six months of the end of fiscal year.

A highlight of the annual general meeting is the presentation, by Terry Engen, of the Chair of the Board Award. The 2016 recipient is Curtis Nichols, who has been a long time on-ice official, supervisor, zone executive member, and is the former chair of the Referee Council.

A number of Operational Committee volunteers were recognized for their years of dedicated service. Sherry Haarstad was recognized for 10 years as a volunteer, while Jamie Salm, Janet Fairless, Sherri Barrett, Connie Anderson and Michelle Malbeuf were recognized for five years of service.

RED DEER – Members of Alberta’s hockey community were challenged to take a serious look at what the future looks like, and to remember that the future needs to focus on the children in their organization.

The challenge came from Dr. Stephen Norris, Consultant Performance and Development with Hockey Canada. He was the keynote speaker on Friday to kick off Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer.

Norris told the approximately 150 people in attendance that it is their job to step beyond the gossip that tends to dominate their time, and to overcome the existing practices and common ways of doing things to help ensure the future success and existence of the sport. He cited the statistic that hockey in Canada sees a 50 per cent drop in player numbers at each age level.

"We need to think even more creatively in how we are going to keep this sport alive in this province," said Norris. "If you add up all the years of experience in hockey in this room, we should be able to solve anything. But we don’t allow ourselves to."

Norris said that the focus must be on what is best for the players, the children who are interested in playing hockey.

"When kids start playing hockey in Initiation, we have no idea where they’re going in their lives," Norris said. "If we do our jobs well, when they graduate from minor hockey, if they say they learned a lot, and had a great time, you will have done your job. The most precious commodity we have in this commodity-rich province is our children."

The focus of the 2016 Hockey Conference is “Building Your Team”. The goal is help those in attendance develop techniques to:

Influence people to embrace change and strive towards being an organization that provides positive experiences for all participants

Educate on the reasons why change is beneficial by considering age/level appropriate programming

Implement a structure that enables the organization to establish and operate successful programs.

"As you soon as you step up and say, ’I want to be involved,’ there is a responsibility," said Norris.

Following the keynote presentation, Norris was joined in a round-table panel discussion by Keith Hansen, retired volleyball coach at Red Deer College and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame; Lyn Radford, Board Chair, 2019 Canada Winter Games; and Rob Litwinski, Executive Director, Hockey Alberta.

During the round-table discussion, the panel talked about some of the key aspects that resonated for them from Norris’ comments in their respective areas of athletics.

Radford talked about the challenges that can exist in putting together a successful administrative team, and the importance of ensuring diversity and a variety of personalities, philosophies and opinions.

Hansen outlined some of the developments that occurred in the world of volleyball at younger age divisions to help overall skill development for all 12 players on a team. He suggested that to reduce the number of players leaving the sport hockey needed to take a new look at how training occurs for athletes at all ages.

And Litwinski reminded everyone that real change has to be inspired locally, it is not something that can be mandated by a provincial body.

Norris previously served as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Sport Officer at Winsport Canada. He played a key role as consultant to the ‘Own The Podium’ program high performance/technical group in the five years prior to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. And he was one of the five founding members and contributors to the ‘Canadian Sport For Life’ movement concerning athlete/participant development and the concept of ‘physical literacy’ within Canada.

The Hockey Conference runs through Saturday, with morning and afternoon sessions focused on guiding and assisting Hockey Operations and Hockey Development personnel to better provide positive services and experiences to the players, and other hockey stakeholders, in their associations.

Other events on Saturday include the annual Hockey Alberta Awards luncheon, and the Annual General Meeting.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce Olds as the host site of the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

The bid was submitted by Olds College and the Town of Olds, who will partner to plan and execute the tournament, set for May 4-7, 2017.

"Olds College and the Town of Olds are thrilled to be a part of developing future leaders in female hockey and our Host Organizing Committee is committed to providing a unique and memorable experience for all participants and staff of the 2017 Alberta Challenge in Olds," said Host Organizing Committee Chair Trina Radcliffe.

“Hockey Alberta and Team Alberta are looking forward to bringing the 2017 Alberta Challenge to Olds,” said Team Alberta Manager Michael Kraichy. “The community put together an excellent bid package and hosted a great facility tour, and we’re confident the event will be a major success.”

Olds is no stranger to hosting Hockey Alberta events, having most recently held the 2015 Midget Female A Provincial Championships, and the 2015 Peewee Prospects Cup.

The Alberta Challenge is a core Hockey Alberta Female Development program, providing players, coaches, therapists, equipment managers, administrators and referees an equal opportunity to discover the great qualities of competitive hockey.

The Alberta Challenge is held alternating years when the Alberta Winter Games are not held. The province is divided into North and South regions, with three teams selected from each region. The six teams compete in the Alberta Challenge tournament May 4-7.